It was unclear Thursday if all three ships would continue into the Gulf region. The group left Norfolk, Virginia, earlier this month. General Erik Kurilla, who heads Central Command, said the additional forces 'provide unique capabilities, which alongside our partner nations in the region further safeguard the free flow of international commerce and uphold the rules-based international order, and deter Iranian destabilizing activities in the region.Along with the Bataan, the group includes two other warships, the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall. The fighter aircraft are intended to give air cover for the commercial ships moving through the waterway and increase the military's visibility in the area, as a deterrent to Iran. Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz early this month, opening fire on one of them. There also have been A-10 attack aircraft there for several weeks in response to the Iranian activity. The deployment comes on the heels of decisions in recent weeks to send the USS Thomas Hudner, a destroyer, and a number of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to the region. officials detailed the units involved in the deployment on the condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements.Īlong with the Bataan, the group includes two other warships, the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall.

Central Command said the deployment would provide 'even greater flexibility and maritime capability in the region.' The announcement did not name the ships, but U.S. An expeditionary unit usually consists of about 2,500 Marines. The readiness group consists of three ships, including the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship. is sending additional warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to increase security in the wake of Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships there.ĭefense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday approved the deployment of the USS Bataan amphibious readiness group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Persian Gulf region, according to U.S.

Ships in a series world of warships