US army 'going hungry' after horrifying images of food emerge

The United States military launched joint strikes with Israel on Iran on 28 February, and despite the three countries agreeing to a two-week ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Continued control over the waterway, responsible for transporting about one-third of the world’s fertiliser trade and oil platform security in the Persian Gulf, was one of Iran’s 10-point ceasefire demands.

Despite this, the US began blockading the Strait, with Iran confirming it was closed again on Saturday (18 April), as per Metro.

The White House confirmed it wanted to cut the country off from global maritime trade, designing the naval blockades to increase economic pressure, forcing the nation to give in to the US’ demands, as per NPR.

It’s previously been reported that roughly 50,000 US troops have been involved in operations since the conflict escalated in the Middle East.

However, The Washington Post claimed on Tuesday (14 April) that another 6,000 were heading into the area on board the USS George HW Bush carrier and the ships escorting it to the region.

It’s rumoured there has been somewhat of a food shortage among US military personnel, with some allegedly sharing images of their meagre meals online.

One female marine who is on board the USS Tripoli reportedly sent an image of her meal to her father, named as Dan.

The tray featured a lump of shredded meat and a single tortilla wrap, first reported by USA Today.

Sailors onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have allegedly been served similar, sad-looking meals.

One image, which has been shared by the X account, SentDefender, included a grey slice of processed meat, what appeared to be a minced meat patty, and a portion of boiled carrots.

The US Navy has denied that food shortages. Taking to X, The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations wrote: “Recent reports alleging food shortages and poor quality aboard our deployed ships are false.

“Both USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli have sufficient food onboard to serve their crews with healthy options.

“The health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Marines are my top priority, and every crew member continues to receive fully portioned, nutritionally balanced meals.”

The US Navy’s official X account has since shared images of chefs onboard USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli serving and preparing food items, including fried chicken, sweetcorn and noodles.

“Fresh meals. Full service. Mission ready,” it wrote. “Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli continue to receive regularly prepared meals at sea—no interruptions, no shortages.”

Fresh meals. Full service. Mission ready.

Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli continue to receive regularly prepared meals at sea—no interruptions, no shortages. pic.twitter.com/1ZprkBkmjR

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) April 18, 2026

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth also took to social media to confirm that all active ships had been loaded with at least 30 days of Class I provisions, or food.

“NavCent monitors this everyday, for every ship. Our sailors deserve — and receive — the best,” he added.