The Lincoln originally deployed Nov. 21 from San Diego, and it arrived in the Middle East in January, ahead of the launch of the Iran war on Feb. 28. The Navy conceded that the conflict created a „highly contested environment where traditional supply hubs in the Middle East were disrupted by combat actions.“ That, in turn, led to shortages and loss of mail aboard the aircraft carrier, the Navy said in a statement.

„Leadership prioritized mission-critical supplies: first food, then hygiene items, then mail,“ the statement said, before assuring that sailors aboard the ship now have access to clean water and „healthy meal options.“