The 11th MEU onboard the USS Makin Island is the only MEU in theater and on the ground.
The USS Bataan and 24th MEU left Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, Feb. 25 and March 1. They should be on station in the Mediterranean by the end of March.
“The 11th MEU onboard the USS Makin Island is the only MEU in theater”
You are right brother, thanks for the correction. The article speculates that additional troops might come from the 24th “now steaming toward the region”.
That would push any operational plan for them out at least 2-3 weeks from now. The main assault force for Raqqa (SDF) could still be drawing in the cordon around Raqqa for three weeks. They are clearing the urban settlemnts that runs along the North shore of the Euphrates River, coming from the East (20-25 miles to go). To the North and West of Raqqa there is a ring of settlements about 15-20 miles out that have not yet been cleared.
The Syrian Arab Army might even be coming up on the South side of the river by then (not likely, but possible). They are only about 75 miles west on Highway 4, with a lot of open terrain. ISIS has been folding relatively quickly (withdrawing some forces and evacuating families East towards Raqqa or Dier ez Zour). They would likely have to take Dayr Hafir (kind of tough), Maskanah (less tough), and Tabqa (toughest) to get to Raqqa. If ISIS collapses or pulls everyone back, they could be there for the party.