JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As tensions rise in the Middle East, questions are surfacing in Jacksonville about whether local military assets are being deployed and what that means for families at home.
The Pentagon has not confirmed any specific deployments. However, military officials and photos confirm the United States is relying heavily on naval power from Jacksonville as operations unfold.
Jacksonville has long played a central role in the Navy’s global mission. Experts say that in the conflict involving Iran, the city’s naval forces could again become a key part of the strategy.
“You can expect Jacksonville to really send a great deal of its forces to participate in this operation,” said retired Navy Cmdr. Richard Kolko, a former P-3 pilot, who spoke with News4JAX.
Kolko said any military response to Iran would likely rely more on sea-based operations than land forces.
“Not only do they have to be able to project offensive operations, but they have to be able to protect themselves as well,” Kolko said. “Warfare has changed in the last few years very quickly, where we have this issue now with drones. Iran has a large fleet of drones, and the U.S. Navy has to be prepared to protect themselves — ships, submarines, aircraft and even planning and operation centers.”
Recently released military photos show guided-missile destroyers such as the USS Thomas Hudner and the USS Winston S. Churchill, both homeported at Naval Station Mayport, firing Tomahawk missiles. The destroyers are part of the Navy’s forward presence and strike capabilities.
Sailor on USS Thomas Hudner (WJXT)
Ships based in Mayport routinely conduct surveillance operations in Middle Eastern waters. In a conflict, those vessels could be tasked with escorting aircraft carriers, defending commercial shipping lanes or launching precision strikes.
Naval aviation units based in Jacksonville also play a role. The Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70, known as the Spartans and stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, provides logistics support and conducts anti-submarine warfare missions.
“The helicopter squadron provides numerous functions to the battle commanders out there,” Kolko said. “Certainly logistics as far as ship supply, but more importantly, anti-submarine patrols — that close-in anti-submarine support.”
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) fires a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) during operations in support of Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28, 2026. ((U.S. Navy Photo))A U.S. Sailor tows an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 37, on the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while operating in support of Operation Epic Fury. ((U.S. Navy photo))Thomas Hudner (WJXT)
As ships move into a theater of operations, tracking systems are often disabled and communications can become limited for security reasons. Kolko said that uncertainty can be especially difficult for families back home.
“It’s a stressful time for a family member when your loved one deploys,” he said. “Communications have improved over time, and sometimes electronic messaging is possible. But that’s an operational security issue. Once ships are in theater, they turn off some of their trackers so you can’t see exactly where they are. That’s hard on families, but it’s necessary to protect the ships, especially with the drone threats we’re seeing.”
Officials at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport told News4JAX they would not release details about any potential movements to the Middle East. No deployments have been confirmed.
Still, Kolko said U.S. naval power provides flexibility in times of conflict — and that could mean Jacksonville-based sailors and their families may once again be called upon to serve.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.