U.S. to deploy 3 more warships and roughly 2,500 more Marines to the West Asia, official says

The U.S. military is deploying three more warships and roughly 2,500 more marines to the West Asia, an official says.

Iran-Israel war updates on March 20, 2026

One U.S. official confirmed on Friday (March 20, 2026) that the USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships, along with roughly 2,500 Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have deployed from their home port of San Diego and are bound for the West Asia.

Two other U.S. officials confirmed that the ships were deploying, without saying where they were headed. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.