Overview of the Damage

In a rare official acknowledgment, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed that the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain was severely damaged by Iranian strikes. This revelation might stir discussions about the capabilities of American forces in the Middle East. Initially, the Pentagon dismissed the impact of the February 28 strikes, at the onset of the Iran war, on military operations. However, Cao stated in his remarks to The Epoch Times that the damage was indeed substantial, highlighting the severity of the strikes on Bahrain.

Impact on U.S. Operations

Retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Murrett noted that restoring the base to full operating capacity in Bahrain might take considerable time. The joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28 led to Tehran launching retaliatory attacks the same day on Manama, Bahrain’s capital. The strikes hit the Juffair district, where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is stationed at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. Previous imagery suggested damage at the naval base, but Cao’s comments represent the first official confirmation of the significant impact.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal, based on satellite imagery and firsthand accounts, indicated extensive damage to the base’s command center and several buildings. This damage was not immediately acknowledged by the Pentagon. Murrett emphasized Bahrain’s pivotal role for Navy operations and pointed to Iran’s strategic focus on U.S. installations in the region.

Iran’s Reaction

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded to Cao’s remarks by posting on social media about Iran’s successful strikes on U.S. facilities, including the Fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain. He also criticized U.S. support for Israeli military actions.

Operational Challenges

NSA Bahrain is crucial for hosting the U.S. Fifth Fleet and the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). However, the damage raises questions about the base’s future operational capabilities. Admiral Daryl Caudle informed sailors at a town hall meeting that returning to NSA Bahrain as the primary logistics hub would require time. Retired Navy Captain John Cordle described the impact as having serious strategic repercussions, noting that relocating supply hubs could complicate maritime operations. Cao stated that a task force is examining potential repairs at NSA Bahrain, which has affected operations involving the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.

Murrett highlighted challenges faced by the Navy due to the strikes, including logistics difficulties with ships and carriers in the region. He expressed confidence in maintaining effectiveness but acknowledged the increased difficulties for troops and operations.

Impact on Other U.S. Bases

The deployment of approximately 50,000 American troops in the Middle East has faced complications following the Iran war’s missile and drone attacks. Reports suggest that, by the end of March, around 11 bases had been damaged, including Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Open-source sites reported damage to infrastructure and fighter jets at these installations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed missile strikes on Al-Azraq base in Jordan, affecting areas hosting U.S. military assets.