Iran’s Bahrain strikes catch Navy families off guard as war erupts

On day one of the war, Iran targeted the U.S. Navy's Middle East headquarters in Bahrain before military families there had been evacuated, a surprise that left spouses fearful as missiles and drones struck for days; the attack damaged the base (images circulated but no casualties reported), prompting the Navy to adjust logistics away from Bahrain, including rerouting supplies to Diego Garcia for longer cycles. About 1,450 service members and families have been evacuated to places like Norfolk and Tampa, but many continue to face financial strain while housing and relocation benefits process; officials say the Navy is staying in close contact and expects ongoing adjustments, with no immediate plans to return to the Bahrain footprint.