Total destruction ahead? New warship spotted; Elite marine unit on board? VIDEO

According to AIS data reviewed by CNN, the vessel was approaching the Strait of Malacca along the southwestern edge of the South China Sea.

U.S. Navy warships often sail with their AIS transponders turned off, but sometimes activate them in congested areas to ensure safer navigation.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the vessel could be carrying additional Marines to the Middle East, including members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based in Okinawa.

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This rapid-response unit consists of about 2,200 personnel, and its deployment was reportedly ordered by the U.S. Department of Defense, according to sources.

U.S. Central Command stated that around 50,000 American troops are already in the Middle East as part of the conflict with Iran.

According to data from the MarineTraffic website, the vessel, which departed Okinawa on March 11, passed through the South China Sea and was approaching Singapore at a speed of about 35 kilometers per hour.

The nearly 250-meter-long warship, weighing around 45,000 tons, carries F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and V-22 Osprey transport aircraft, as well as landing craft for deploying troops ashore.