The U.S. Navy has expanded its expeditionary combat power in the Middle East by deploying the USS Boxer (LHD 4) Amphibious Ready Group ARG) with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) into the U.S. Central Command area, strengthening Washington’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging crises across the region. The deployment, announced by U.S. Central Command, reinforces a highly flexible force capable of projecting combat power from the sea while supporting deterrence, maritime security, and contingency operations in an increasingly volatile strategic environment. Read full Naval Defense News at this link …
U.S. Navy USS Boxer (LHD 4) and USS Portland (LPD 27) transit the Indian Ocean in formation on June 30, 2026, as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group's deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, strengthening U.S. expeditionary and amphibious capabilities in the Middle East. (Picture source: U.S. CENTCOM)
The USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have officially transited from the Indian Ocean into the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury. This arrival expands the American naval footprint to at least 24 warships in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. The deployment highlights Washington’s dual-track approach of maintaining rigorous military deterrence amid ongoing, fragile regional negotiations. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Strategic Overview of the Fleet
The arrival of the USS Boxer ARG significantly bolsters the Pentagon's existing force posture. It joins the USS Tripoli ARG, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, and 15 destroyers already stationed in the region. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The primary objectives of this unified task force include:
Waterway Security: Safeguarding critical global energy transit routes, specifically focusing on the volatile Strait of Hormuz.
Sustained Deterrence: Countering threats from regional adversaries to protect shipping lanes and ensure stability for allied nations.
Contingency Capabilities: Offering rapid-response capabilities for potential maritime emergencies, search and rescue, or tactical operations without initiating a ground conflict. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Breakdown of the Boxer ARG Assets
The Amphibious Ready Group delivers specialized sea-to-land power projection and rapid crisis-response capabilities. [1, 2, 3]
USS Boxer (LHD-4): A Wasp-class amphibious assault ship acting as the flagship. It functions as a "mini" aircraft carrier, transporting F-35B stealth fighters, MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotors, and various attack helicopters. [1, 2, 3, 4]
USS Portland (LPD-27): A San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock optimized for moving and deploying Marine landing forces. [1, 2]
USS Comstock (LSD-45): A Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship that has been operating ahead of the group in the CENTCOM zone since May. [1, 2]
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit: Comprises roughly 2,500 combat-ready Marines trained for amphibious assaults, tactical air support, and quick-insertion security missions. [1, 2]
MIDDLE EAST POSTURE | A second amphibious ready group has joined U.S. Navy forces in the Middle East this week as President Donald Trump weighs military options am...
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