A ready group led by San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and carrying 2,200 Marines from Camp Pendleton has arrived in the Middle East, the Navy reported.
“The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently operating in the Middle East as part of a scheduled deployment,” the Navy said in a post on X.
The Boxer is a small aircraft carrier with F-35B stealth jets, V-22 Osprey tiltrotors and helicopters, along with hovercraft in its well deck, that can support an amphibious landing by the embarked Marines
The Navy said the Boxer and accompanying amphibious transport dock USS Portland entered the region on June 30, joining the dock landing ship USS Comstock, but did not provide further details.
The Boxer along with the Comstock and Portland left San Diego in March.
The warships join a second amphibious group, led by the Japan-based USS Tripoli, and two aircraft carriers in the region as peace talks with Iran continue amid sporadic attacks on shipping.
