U.S. Sends 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Navy Ships to Israel

In a move to bolster deterrence in the Middle East region and ensure Israel’s security, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has taken further steps by directing the deployment of additional military and naval assets, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, has been directed by Austin to move into the region, signaling the strong commitment of the United States to support Israel’s defense and deter any potential escalation of the conflict by state or non-state actors following Hamas’ attack on Israel.

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group reportedly consists of the USS Bataan (LHD-5) and USS Carter (LSD-50).

The 26th MEU is a highly capable sea-based crisis response force that can conduct amphibious operations, crisis response, limited contingency operations, and support theater requirements, with the capability to operate in enemy coastlines or weapons engagement zones.

“The Department remains focused on three primary objectives,” said Singh. “First, supporting Israel’s defense through security assistance; second, sending a clear message of deterrence to any actors considering involvement in the conflict; and third, being vigilant against any threats to U.S. forces.”

The recent deployment of the 26th MEU follows Austin’s directive over the weekend to have the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean last week.

“The 26th MEU is a versatile military force comprising infantry, aviation, and logistics components, all operating under a unified command,” explained Singh. “Positioned at sea, the 26th MEU is well-equipped to carry out amphibious missions, respond to crises, and engage in limited contingency operations across various military scenarios.”

Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), departed its homeport in Gaeta, Italy, on Wednesday to support of U.S. operations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The ship operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

These deployments are in addition to the recent announcement of the deployment of Air Force F-15 and F-16 fighter squadrons and A-10 attack squadrons to the region.

Separately, Secretary Austin has also increased the readiness of approximately 2,000 personnel across a variety of units to enhance the Department’s ability to respond in the Middle East. These forces would bring key capabilities ranging from transportation to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Singh emphasized, however, that no decisions have been made to deploy any of these forces at this time.

“This order only puts these units on higher alert,” she said. “The Secretary will continue to assess our force posture and maintain close contact with allies and partners.”

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