USS Boxer and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deploy to Middle East

Report Content

The United States military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday.

The deployments of the USS Boxer, along with its 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and accompanying warship, comes as Reuters reported that President Donald Trump’s administration was considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East.

Trump told reporters on Thursday that he was not putting troops “anywhere,” but that if was going to, he would not tell journalists.

The sources, who were speaking on the condition of anonymity, did not say what the role of the additional troops would be.

But one of the officials said the troops were departing the West Coast of the United States about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

The White House and Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Classification
Region
West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category
Force Movement
Subcategory
Troop Redeployment
SALUTE Report
Size
thousands of Marines and sailors
Activity
deployment to the Middle East
Location
Middle East
Unit
USS Boxer and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Time
about 3 weeks ahead of schedule
Equipment
USS Boxerwarship
Summary

The U.S. military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, including the USS Boxer and its 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. This deployment is occurring about three weeks ahead of schedule, as the U.S. administration considers reinforcing its operations in the region. President Trump stated he is not currently placing troops anywhere but did not dismiss future deployments.

Key Facts
  • The U.S. is deploying thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East.
  • USS Boxer and its 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are part of the deployment.
  • Troops are departing the West Coast of the United States about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
  • President Trump mentioned he is not putting troops anywhere but did not rule out future deployments.

Related Entities