US Navy Rejects Reports Of Female Hygiene Product Shortage Aboard USS Boxer

The U.S. Navy has rejected reports that female sailors aboard the USS Boxer were running short of feminine hygiene products during the amphibious assault ship’s deployment in the Middle East, saying the vessel remains fully stocked and ready for its assigned missions.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said on Sunday that reports of a shortage of hygiene products for women aboard the Wasp-class ship were false. Feminine hygiene supplies were available at both the ship’s store and medical offices, the command said.

The denial followed claims by a family member of a sailor that women aboard the Boxer were “begging” for pads and tampons, rationing existing supplies and asking relatives to send additional products. The family member also alleged that care packages sent to the ship had not reached the crew.

The Navy disputed those claims, saying the Boxer had made four port visits since leaving San Diego in March and that its crew had spent less than two months at sea since its most recent port call.

The ship had also received two major mail deliveries in August, the command said.

Reports emerging of USS Boxer experiencing a shortage in hygiene products for women in uniform are FALSE.

The ship has had four port visits since departing San Diego in March. The crew has been at sea for less than two months since the last port call, and they are stocked with…

— U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) August 16, 2026

USS Boxer remains deployed in Middle East

The 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 ship is part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, which the command said remains “fully equipped and prepared” to execute all assigned missions.

The reports about hygiene supplies emerged as the U.S. Navy faces wider scrutiny over conditions aboard ships involved in prolonged deployments.

Separate complaints have involved the USS Abraham Lincoln, where a sailor shared footage purportedly showing poor toilet facilities aboard the aircraft carrier.

Relatives connected to the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli and USS George H.W. Bush have also reportedly raised concerns about food, soap, plumbing and delayed mail.

Claims of a ‘tampon crisis’

The controversy surrounding the Boxer began after a family member of a sailor described difficulties obtaining care packages and feminine hygiene products.

The person said sailors had asked relatives to send additional supplies so they could distribute them among women aboard the ship, alleging that existing stocks were running low.

The reports emerged amid separate complaints involving the USS Abraham Lincoln, where sailors and family members have cited concerns about conditions during an extended deployment.

The Navy’s account differs sharply from the allegations. Naval Forces Central Command said the Boxer has had four port visits since departing San Diego and has received two major mail deliveries during August.

It also said feminine hygiene products remain available from the ship’s store and medical offices.

References: AA, TOI