The US Navy on Saturday (April 18) publicly shared photos of the “USS Abraham Lincoln” aircraft carrier and the “USS Tripoli” amphibious assault ship, showcasing the American military’s “fresh meals” and stirring attention.
This move was aimed at dispelling rumors about food shortages on US military ships in the Middle East.
The US Navy posted pictures of steaming fresh meals on its social media platform account. One photo depicted crates of food stacked up on a ship, reaching the ceiling.
Above these images, the US Navy captioned, “Fresh meals, full service, mission ready. Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Tripoli continue to enjoy regular meals at sea – no interruptions, no shortages.”
Previous circulating images showed sailors having only meager meals during the US “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran. However, Pentagon officials dismissed these claims, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth labeling them as “fake news.”
US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle made a statement on Friday (April 17) on the platform, saying, “Recent reports of food shortages and poor food quality on our deployed ships are entirely fabricated.”
He added, “Both the Lincoln and Tripoli have ample food supplies to provide healthy meals for the crew.”
“The health and well-being of sailors and Marines are my top priorities, and every crew member will continue to receive sufficient, nutritionally balanced meals,” he continued.
Secretary of War Hegseth responded to Caudle’s statement, saying, “The US Navy’s claims are accurate. This is more fake news from the dishonest media.”
“My team has confirmed the logistics data of the Lincoln and Tripoli. Both ships have over 30 days of Class I supplies (food) stocked. Central Command monitors the logistics of each ship daily,” Hegseth said. “Our sailors deserve – and are indeed receiving – the best meals.”
US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper also stated on Friday that these reports are “completely false,” and US troops in the entire Middle Eastern region are receiving regular supplies, calling it a “top priority.”
Secretary of War Caudle also mentioned, “Regarding mail and personal packages, the temporary ban on sending mail to the war zone due to combat operations has been lifted. Our logistics network is highly adaptable, and we will continue to support operational personnel in executing the ‘Operation Epic Fury.'”
(Note: This article references reporting by Fox News.)