USS Bataan is ready to strike. An order can come at any moment
The United States is preparing a Marine rapid response unit for potential deployment in Israel, CNN reported on Friday.
7:50 AM EDT, October 14, 2023
According to information provided by the American station, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, known as a rapid response force capable of carrying out special operations, is on standby in case of receiving an order to approach Israel. The purpose of such action would be to strengthen the positions of American forces there.
The unit, which is currently onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, consists of over 2000 soldiers - both marine infantry and sailors. If needed, it will be capable of conducting operations such as large-scale evacuation support. The main duties of the marine expeditionary group include evacuation actions and humanitarian aid.
26. The Marine Expeditionary Unit was deployed in the region in July, as a response to increased Iranian aggression in the Gulf of Oman and its surrounding waters.
As reported by CNN, orders for this unit have not yet been issued. Nevertheless, defense department officials have repeatedly emphasized in recent days that the Pentagon is ready to quickly deploy additional forces and resources in the region if necessary.
It is also worth noting that at the beginning of this week, the United States deployed the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.
