Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group Departed San Diego
The group departed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit for a scheduled deployment.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Military
Live Poll
Should the U.S. maintain its current frequency of naval deployments globally?
The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group departed San Diego on September 28, 2026, for a scheduled deployment. The group includes the USS Makin Island, the USS Anchorage, and the USS John P. Murtha, which sailed under the Coronado Bridge to reach the Pacific Ocean.
Why it matters
This deployment marks the start of a mission for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit alongside the ships, providing integrated naval and ground capabilities. It follows the earlier deployment of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group to the Arabian Sea in March 2026.
The deployment involves 2,200 Marines and sailors in the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit alongside 2,000 sailors manning the three amphibious ships. These figures represent the total personnel capacity currently operating in the Pacific theater.
The players
USS Makin Island
This Wasp-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
This Marine Air-Ground Task Force is specialized for rapid deployment and amphibious operations worldwide.
Boxer Amphibious Ready Group
This naval task force is currently operating in the Arabian Sea following its March 2026 deployment.
The details
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed integrated training exercises off the California coast before clearing the Coronado Bridge. The ships are currently operating in the Pacific as part of the Navy's broader rotational presence.
Timeline
March 2026: The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group departed from the West Coast.
July 2026: The Boxer ARG arrived in the Arabian Sea.
September 28, 2026: The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group deployed from San Diego.
Political Context
The deployment of these naval assets aligns with the U.S. Navy's global rotational deployment schedule. Critics often debate the frequency of these rotations and the associated wear on naval infrastructure versus the strategic necessity of maintaining constant regional deterrence.
Residents in the San Diego area may notice changes in local port activity and transit near the Coronado Bridge during large-scale departures. These military maneuvers are routine, ensuring that local forces remain prepared for global requirements.
The takeaway
The departure of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group reinforces the ongoing reliance on forward-deployed maritime forces in the Pacific. Families and residents should expect consistent operational tempo from regional bases as these rotations continue throughout the year.
Further reading
For more on the latest naval movements, visit Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USNI News.
Live Poll
Should the U.S. maintain its current frequency of naval deployments globally?
