U.S. Marine Unit Heading to Middle East

Marine Corps aviators could take on a larger role as the Iran conflict enters a precarious new phase.

Zach Vasile

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II [Credit: U.S. Navy]

Key Takeaways:

An additional U.S. Marine expeditionary unit and amphibious group, comprising around 5,000 Marines and sailors, are deploying to the Middle East to support ongoing joint American-Israeli operations against Iran, known as "Operation Epic Fury."
The deployment, led by the USS Tripoli and carrying F-35B stealth fighters, aims to bolster operations, potentially enabling raids on Iranian territory and helping to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The three-week-long conflict has seen extensive strikes on Iranian targets and Iran's retaliatory actions, including shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, leading to rising global energy prices and fears of a severe energy crisis.

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Additional U.S. Marines and sailors are being sent to the Middle East as joint American-Israeli operations against Iran enter their third week.

Defense officials cited by The Wall Street Journal said an amphibious group and an attached Marine expeditionary unit currently based in Japan are being deployed to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury. The group consists of several warships and around 5,000 Marines and sailors.