The U.S. is sending more warships and marines to the Middle East amid the war with Iran. Three U.S. Navy warships, including the USS Boxer from San Diego.

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is deploying another three-ship expeditionary unit — with about 2,500 Marines aboard — to the Middle East, the second such dispatch in a matter of days as President Trump attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

The U.S. deploys 2,200 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli to the Middle East amid rising Iran tensions. The amphibious warship carries F-35Bs to protect vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes.

The Pentagon is accelerating the deployment of thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East as the war in Iran enters its third week, according to multiple reports on Thursday. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Boxer,

Crews deployed artificial reef structures into the Gulf of America on Wednesday, creating new habitats for marine life and expanding fishing and diving opportunities off the coast.