The U.S. has deployed thousands of San Diego-based Marines to the Middle East aboard the USS Boxer, NBC News has learned. It comes days after two more warships were redirected to the region.

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.

A U.S. defense official said that thousands more Marines are being deployed to the Middle East on an accelerated timeline.

Marines headed to the Middle East is a big increase in presence in the War with Iran. “They're called Marine expeditionary units,” Hal Kempfer, a retired Marine Corps Intelligence Officer, said.

The 82nd Airborne Division’s quick reaction brigade is being eyed for a possible deployment tied operations in Iran, a news report said.

Tearful farewells played out across Southern California last week as thousands of Marines shipped out to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. At Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, families hugged,

A Marine veteran discusses his daughter's deployment to the Middle East on the USS Boxer and his hopes for her safe return home.

Operation Epic Fury has now entered the third week, with additional bombers arriving at RAF Fairford and a Marine Expeditionary Unit headed to the Middle East. After being initially expected to last just few days,

Tensions between the United States and Iran are reaching a critical point, with reports suggesting possible ground operations may be under consideration. RT News reported thousands of US troops and Marines are believed to be positioned in the region,