The U.S. military has confirmed that a major amphibious naval force remains deployed in the Middle East following a scheduled transit through the Indian Ocean.
The deployment is part of ongoing regional operations involving U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets assigned to the area.
Warships Sail Together During Indian Ocean Passage
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) sailed in formation while crossing the Indian Ocean on June 30, 2026.
The coordinated transit highlights the operational readiness of the naval group as it continues its scheduled mission in support of U.S. military objectives across the Middle East.
Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Remains on Scheduled Deployment
CENTCOM stated that the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), together with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently conducting operations throughout the Middle East.
The deployment forms part of a pre-planned rotation designed to maintain a continuous U.S. naval and Marine Corps presence in the region while supporting maritime security and rapid-response capabilities.
Three-Ship Formation Supports Regional Operations
The Boxer ARG consists of three primary vessels, including USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Portland (LPD 27) and USS Comstock (LSD 45).
CENTCOM noted that USS Comstock entered the Middle East in early May, joining the other ships as part of the group’s ongoing deployment. Together, the vessels provide amphibious assault, transport and logistical capabilities while carrying Marines, aircraft and supporting equipment.
Marine Expeditionary Unit Provides Rapid Response Capability
Embarked aboard the naval group is the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a forward-deployed force trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including crisis response, humanitarian assistance, amphibious operations and regional security tasks.
Operating alongside the Boxer ARG, the unit enhances the U.S. military’s ability to respond quickly to evolving situations while maintaining a sustained presence across key waterways and strategic areas in the Middle East.
CENTCOM Highlights Continued Regional Presence
The latest update from CENTCOM underscores the continued operation of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East during a scheduled deployment cycle.
By highlighting the Indian Ocean transit and the composition of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, the command reaffirmed that the task force remains actively engaged in supporting regional stability and maintaining operational readiness.
