Even while U.S. President Barack Obama was warning against any “ramping up” of military action between Israel and Gaza, he ordered three assault ships to reverse course and head back to the Mediterranean.

Amphibious assault ships United States Ship Iwo Jima, USS New York and USS Gunston Hall were halfway home when Obama made the order this past weekend.  There are an estimated 2,400 Marines and 2,000 sailors aboard the ships.

The ships were at the end of a six month deployment.  It’s assumed they are to be used to evacuate U.S. citizens in Gaza or Israel.