The United States Marine Corps is deploying a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
A unit with about 2,200 Marines aboard three US Navy amphibious ships has been ordered to move toward the region, according to officials.
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), normally based in Japan, has been directed to head toward the Middle East to provide a range of military capabilities that can be used by commanders if needed.
The unit includes advanced aircraft, including F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, which can support a variety of missions.
The deployment is meant to help respond to Iran's attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.
The United States will have more military resources in the region if commanders need them, following the approval of a request from United States Central Command (CENTCOM) to deploy part of an Amphibious Ready Group.
