Two U.S. amphibious ships, the USS Boxer (Wasp class) and the USS Portland (San Antonio class), have entered the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility from the Indian Ocean. About 2,200 U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are aboard the Boxer. Unlike the USS Tripoli, the Boxer is equipped with a well deck, enabling deployment of amphibious landing craft, hovercraft, and armored vehicles to shore, enhancing amphibious capabilities. Analysts view the deployment as part of a broader strengthening of U.S. military presence in the region, though no official statement links it to a potential ground operation against Iran.