US Navy faces logistics strain in the Middle East, NYT reports

The U.S. Navy is confronting serious logistical challenges across its distribution and resupply lines in the Middle East, the New York Times reported. The fleet deployed in the region comprises roughly 20 ships and about 20,000 sailors and Marines, requiring more than 420,000 meals and approximately 8 million gallons of fuel each week. The difficulties have been compounded by damage to the Navy's main supply base in Bahrain, according to the newspaper. Heightened risks at several regional ports have prevented supply ships from using those facilities efficiently, forcing them to travel long distances to restock before returning to the fleet. Resupply vessels must cover roughly 2,200 miles to reach Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, with Singapore serving as a more distant alternative. The situation underscores the Navy's dependence on its broader network of bases and ports across the region to meet the operational needs of its forces.