The civilian head of the Navy has confirmed that a key U.S. Navy base in the Middle East was damaged in recent fighting in the Iran war, according to a new report.
“They blew the hell out of Bahrain,” acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told The Epoch Times on Sept. 9, referring to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which is home to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Fifth Fleet.
Satellite imagery and news reports previously verified that Iranian missiles have caused extensive damage to the base dating to the start of the war in February, but Cao’s comment offers a stark new confirmation of the scope of destruction.
Cao also told the outlet that he has “a task force that’s looking at” whether the Navy needs to repair the base to sustain forces in the region.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Navy Central Command for comment.
Iranian foreign minister reacts to acting Navy secretary’s comments
Damage caused by an Iranian drone strike at one of the buildings next to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet in Juffair, Bahrain, March 4, 2026.
In response to Cao’s comments, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on social media, “We appreciate the candor of Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.”
“Our powerful Armed Forces did indeed ‘blow the hell out of the 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain,’ as well as other bases supporting U.S. aggression,” he wrote. “The American people deserve better than footing the bill for Israel’s wars.”
The comment from Cao comes after Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, at an Aug. 31 town hall, told a sailor who was displaced from the base not to expect to return in the near term.
“We’re not getting back in there anytime soon,” Caudle said.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Acting Navy secretary says Iran ‘blew the hell out of’ US Bahrain base
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