Complaints about the harsh operating environment of U.S. aircraft carriers reveal underlying weaknesses in America's combat readiness: overconfidence, underestimation of adversaries, and lack of long-term logistical planning...

In short, it all comes down to one word: logistics.

On the first day of the Iran war, Iranian missiles and attack drones inflicted severe damage on the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, effectively disabling the decades-long reliance on this critical logistical hub.

The U.S. military's logistical stronghold was destroyed by its adversary.

This rendered sustained operations by U.S. forces in the Gulf impossible.

So, a backup plan was devised: relocating to Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean controlled by the United Kingdom, which now serves as the primary resupply point for U.S. Navy carrier groups, located 2,200 miles away.

Bahrain had been attacked; similarly, the Port of Fujairah in the UAE—another traditional port used by U.S. carriers—is also within range of Iranian missiles.

Even Diego Garcia is not beyond reach. On March 20, two medium-range missiles were launched toward Diego Garcia—one missed in the Indian Ocean, while the other was intercepted by a U.S. warship.

Supplies such as food, equipment, and other essential materials that once traveled via Bahrain now must be transported thousands of extra miles to reach operational warships. While shells don’t expire, food spoils—eating canned goods every day becomes routine.

Complaints from sailors aboard carriers adrift at sea for nine months prompted even Trump to respond: “It’s still not long enough!”

In reality, being at sea for nine months means no opportunity for a “free port” visit—approximately 5,000 sailors never had the chance to leave their ships for days.

Image: Interior compartment inside the hangar of the USS Gerald R. Ford

This is a problem of supply and logistics.

Yet operational requirements remain unchanged.

This is why Trump said deployment "is still far too short"—and we must keep going.

Hegseth also stated that the blockade against Iran could be maintained "indefinitely."

When lightning warfare turns into prolonged conflict, the entire operational logic shifts.

Being unable to destroy the enemy at first strike means allowing the adversary to destroy the bases from which attacks are launched—and U.S. frustrations grow daily.

Outnumbered and outgunned, Iran struck first at Bahrain, targeting supply lines and logistical bases.

To this day, the U.S. Navy continues to pay the price.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873633363259404/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.