‼️🇺🇸Second Marine group moves toward the Middle East, according to reports.
USS Boxer, USS Comstock, and USS Portland are heading to the Gulf. pic.twitter.com/aECA8xzvpg
— Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) March 20, 2026
Three Navy ships carrying 2,200 Marines left San Diego earlier this week for a previously scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific, but two U.S. officials tell ABC News their ultimate destination is likely the Middle East.
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is aboard the USS Boxer, the USS Comstock and the USS Portland — along with 2,000 sailors.
If it receives final orders to the Middle East, joining the 31st MEU, it will be an increase of close to 9,000 additional forces to the region.
The 31st MEU is still on its way to the Middle East from Asia after receiving orders from the Pentagon last Friday. Those Marines and ships are likely to arrive in the region sometime next week.
https://abcnews.com/Politics/2200-marines-3-navy-ships-headed-middle-east/story?id=131252486
BREAKING: Trump is considering invading Kharg Island which exports 90% of Iran's oil. The operation involves a rapid deployment of 2,500 troops, 288 in the 1st wave.
This will mark the 1st U.S. boots on the ground, a promise Trump said he would never do
Video Ward Carroll https://t.co/fIpAJAgSF3 pic.twitter.com/MWc5DTYb1j
— Financelot (@FinanceLancelot) March 20, 2026
Today is OPEX day, expect plenty of this type of nonsensical headlines being published for the sole purpose to influence trading algorithms https://t.co/5vz6eclg6j
— JustDario 🏊♂️ (@DarioCpx) March 20, 2026