Third US carrier, 13th MEU to reach Middle East by late November

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to reach the Middle East by the end of November, joining two US carriers already in the region, Fox News reported, as Defense Secretary Hegseth met Netanyahu in Israel and President Trump weighs new strikes on Iran.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group is expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of November, joining two other US aircraft carriers already operating in the region, Fox News reported. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is also due in the region by the end of November.

The report comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday and met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, according to Axios. Neither government has disclosed what was discussed, as President Donald Trump weighs another major military offensive against Iran.

About 9,000 additional troops

USS Makin Island, carrying the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (file)

The Roosevelt left San Diego on Sept. 27, and the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island followed a day later with the 13th MEU aboard. The carrier docked in Yokosuka, Japan, on Oct. 16 for routine maintenance and resupply. According to the Associated Press, roughly 9,000 additional sailors and Marines are deploying with the two groups.

The USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush are already in the region. Some Navy officials have described the Roosevelt's deployment as a rotation to relieve the Japan-based George Washington, while other reports say all three carriers will be in the region at the same time.

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