Impact of Iranian Strikes on U.S. Fifth Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain
The U.S. Navy base in Bahrain sustained significant damage due to Iranian strikes, according to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. This incident raises concerns about American capabilities in the Middle East. The Pentagon initially claimed that the strikes on February 28 had minimal impact on military operations. However, Cao acknowledged the substantial damage, describing the situation to The Epoch Times as ‘significant.’
When approached for comments, the Pentagon stated to Newsweek, ‘As a matter of practice, we do not comment on intelligence-related matters.’
Retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Murrett explained to Newsweek that returning the base to its full operational capacity in Bahrain will take time. He emphasized Bahrain’s strategic importance for the Navy, describing the damage as part of a broader pattern of Iranian attacks on military installations across the Middle East.
Iran’s Response and Military Strategy
Iran retaliated to joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel with an attack on February 28, targeting Bahrain’s capital, Manama. Key facilities, including the Juffair district where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is stationed, were hit. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded to Cao’s remarks, boasting about the success of Iran’s strikes.
Current Status of U.S. Operations
NSA Bahrain, hosting the U.S. Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT, is crucial for logistics in the Gulf region. The damage has resulted in doubts about the base’s usability. Admiral Daryl Caudle informed sailors in June that returning to the primary logistics hub would not be immediate. Retired Navy Captain John Cordle highlighted the strategic consequences, noting the potential need to relocate supply operations, affecting future maritime activities.
Cao stated that the base’s damage impacted the USS Abraham Lincoln’s operations, leading to extended deployment. The carrier’s crew was in the spotlight during a shore leave in Pattaya, Thailand, before returning to the U.S. Murrett added that logistics and command challenges have increased, although he believes mission effectiveness will continue, albeit with more difficulty for troops.
Impact on Other U.S. Bases
With 50,000 American troops in the Middle East at the onset of the Iran war, missile and drone attacks have pushed U.S. Central Command to move personnel. Reports indicate that by March, at least 11 American bases faced damage. These include Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, affected by crater impacts, and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The IRGC launched strikes on Al-Azraq base in Jordan, targeting areas housing advanced fighter jets.