Iran’s Attacks on Bahrain Caught U.S. Navy Families Off Guard in War’s Early Stages
U.S. Navy families shocked by Iran's early attacks on Bahrain. Evacuations, supply chain disruptions, and financial strain unfold.
POLICY WIRE — Bahrain — The initial days of the conflict saw unexpected strikes on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, leaving service members and their families in a state of alarm. One military spouse described the experience as terrifying, with the sound of ballistic missiles becoming a nightly reality.
Although the U.S. military had anticipated some form of retaliation and had evacuated base headquarters, the scale of the attacks caught officials off guard. Despite no casualties among personnel, images circulating online show significant damage to key infrastructure, including a radar system targeted during the first day of hostilities.
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The U.S. Navy has not included the cost of repairs in its war-related expenses due to uncertainty over what will be rebuilt. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao recently called the attacks on Bahrain a real blow. The facility, which has served as the Fifth Fleet’s headquarters since the 1990s, supports thousands of military personnel and their families. The damage has disrupted supply chains, forcing ships to rely on longer routes, increasing delivery times and creating financial challenges for evacuees.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
