The US 5th Fleet on Sunday rejected reports claiming that female personnel aboard the USS Boxer were experiencing shortages of essential hygiene supplies, describing the allegations as inaccurate.
US Naval Forces Central Command stated on X that there was no shortage of feminine hygiene products on the amphibious assault ship. According to the command, the vessel had made four port visits since leaving San Diego in March and had spent less than two months at sea since its latest stop.
The command further explained that sufficient hygiene products were available through the ship’s store and medical facilities. The clarification came after reports quoted a sailor’s family member who alleged that female crew members were struggling to obtain supplies and were being forced to ration what remained. The source also claimed that care packages sent by families had not reached the ship.
US authorities rejected these claims, noting that the USS Boxer had received two significant mail deliveries during August.
The ship reached the Middle East in late June as part of US military operations against Iran following the conflict that began on Feb. 28. The fleet emphasized that the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group remained fully supplied and prepared to carry out its assigned duties.
The controversy comes as the US plans to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln with the USS George Washington, amid broader concerns about the demanding conditions associated with lengthy deployments for American sailors.
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