Camp Lejeune Marines' redirection to Middle East felt across Jacksonville

The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force is now joining thousands of troops headed to the Middle East as tensions remain high between the United States and Iran.

Victoria Morgan and other military wives understand this is their way of life. Her husband currently doesn't have any orders to deploy, but she knows that can change any minute.

“It’s something you never get used to,” she said.

“Being a spouse and a child are two different worlds,” she added. “When you’re a child, you move around with you’re parents. It’s just what you do. But when you’re a spouse, you’re taking up your entire life and moving.”

More than 2,000 Marines were conducting military exercises with the Moroccan military before being redirected to the Middle East.

2,500 Marines from Camp Lejeune redirected to Middle East

Word of the new assignment has put Marines and their families at Camp Lejeune on alert.

Katie McNair's father is a sailor, and and both McNair and her young daughter have to adjust when he's away.

“It’s very, very devastating,” McNair said. “She has to live without her papa being around. When he goes or if he has to deploy, sending his troops or whatever he has to do, it’s hard on her.”

It's also hard on the Jacksonville community that's so connected to Camp Lejeune. What happens to the troops, also happens to the community, a sort of extended family.