US deploys thousands more Marines to Middle East — USS Boxer MEU departs West Coast 3 weeks early

The US military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and Sailors to the Middle East, three officials told Reuters on Day 21. The USS Boxer (LHD-4), an amphibious assault ship capable of operating as a sea-based air assault platform, is departing the US West Coast with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked — approximately 3 weeks ahead of its scheduled deployment. One official spoke on condition of anonymity. A Marine Expeditionary Unit typically comprises approximately 2,200 Marines and Sailors, organized around an infantry battalion, aviation combat element (AV-8B Harriers or F-35Bs), and combat logistics. The accelerated departure signals that US Central Command assessed the threat environment as requiring additional amphibious and air assault capability in the region beyond what is already deployed. The US already has the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and other naval assets in the region conducting strikes on Iran. Adding USS Boxer with a MEU brings additional amphibious assault capability — relevant for potential operations at Kharg Island, Iranian coastal facilities, or shore-based IRGC targets — as well as additional rotary-wing and fixed-wing aviation for strike and humanitarian contingencies. The accelerated 3-week timeline suggests urgency driven by the current operational tempo.