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.

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.

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

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

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

Officials say thousands of U.S. Marines are expected in the Middle East by Friday. Marine Corps Veteran Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) joins Ana Cabrera to share his criticism of the deployment and why he