The base has been heavily targeted by Iran since the US and Israel launched airstrikes against the Islamic Republic in late February
“They blew the hell out of Bahrain,” Cao said in an interview with The Epoch Times, published Thursday, referring to Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NASB), the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet. Cao said the Navy was now considering its options for the facility, including whether it should be repaired. “I have a task force that’s looking at that,” he told the publication. In late August, Chief of Naval Operations Adm Daryl Caudle said sailors would not be returning anytime soon, including to retrieve their personal belongings. “We’re not getting back in there anytime soon,” Caudle said during a town hall on August 31.
The extent of the damage has already raised questions over when US forces can return to the base. “I just want to be completely honest with that. Iranian forces have also targeted US naval assets and shipping interests as the conflict has intensified. The latest escalation followed US strikes on five Iranian oil tankers, with US President Donald Trump confirming Washington’s role and warning of further attacks.