The U.S. 5th Fleet responded to claims that women personnel aboard USS Boxer had difficulty accessing basic hygiene products, saying the claim was untrue.
In a statement on X, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said, "Reports of a shortage of hygiene products for women in uniform aboard USS Boxer are false."
USS Boxer’s port visits and supply status
According to the command’s statement, USS Boxer has made four port visits since departing San Diego in March. The ship spent less than two months at sea after leaving its most recent port.
The command said hygiene products were available both in the ship’s store and at its medical facilities, adding that existing supplies were sufficient.
Claims attributed to a family member
The claims about the products were attributed to a family member of a sailor serving aboard USS Boxer. The family member alleged that women personnel aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship had to request the products and use the available supplies sparingly.
The same person also claimed that care packages sent by relatives had not reached the ship. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said USS Boxer had received two major mail deliveries in August alone.
USS Boxer’s Middle East mission
USS Boxer arrived in the Middle East in late June to support U.S. military operations against Iran following the war that began on Feb. 28.
The U.S. 5th Fleet said the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group had the equipment and readiness required to carry out all assigned missions.
The claims emerged as the United States was preparing to deploy USS George Washington to replace the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. During the same period, concerns about the conditions of U.S. sailors’ long-term deployments were also being discussed.
