One photo taken by a Marine showed a mostly empty lunch tray with a single scoop of shredded meat and one tortilla.
Another showed a meal of a handful of boiled carrots, a meat patty and another piece of processed meat.
Neither would be considered enough to satisfy an average person’s appetite.
But the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations has issued a statement denying the reports.
“Recent reports alleging food shortages and poor quality aboard our deployed ships are false,” the statement read.
“The US Navy possesses an unmatched logistics capability to sustain operations at sea, and routine menu adjustments are simply how we optimise our endurance to keep our warships in the fight.”
Parcels from family members, including food and other supplies, have also not been delivered.
But the Navy announced this morning they had lifted the hold on mail.
“Regarding mail and personal packages, a temporary hold on sending mail into theatre, due to combat operations, has been lifted,” the statement read.
“Our logistical network is highly adaptable, and we remain committed to supporting our warfighters as they execute Operation Epic Fury.”
Democratic congressman Mike Levin expressed his anger in a post on Bluesky.
“This is completely unacceptable and Congress must investigate,” Levin said.
“Service members aboard the USS Tripoli and USS Abraham Lincoln are rationing food and going without fresh produce.”
“My team confirmed the logistics stats for the Lincoln & Tripoli. Both have 30+ days of Class I supplies (food) on board,” he said.
“Our sailors deserve — and receive — the best.”
Hegseth has begun to refer to the media as Pharisees, after the group of Jewish religious leaders now remembered as instigating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The reports have drawn the mockery of Iranian officials on social media.
“They want the sailors to use the toilets less!” the Iranian Embassy in the UK wrote.
The carrier, with 5000 crew aboard, had been at sea since last June before being taken to Greece for repairs after a fire in the laundry facility last month.
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