I'd phrase that as "you always want to minimize your dependency on a naval base within easy striking range of a potential enemy". And point out how the Royal N

I'd phrase that as "you always want to minimize your dependency on a naval base within easy striking range of a potential enemy". And point out how the Royal Navy moved from Malta to Alexandria a couple years before WWII started, because the former was within easy striking range of Italy. Alexandria was within striking range - most famously the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_on_Alexandria_(1941) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_on_Alexandria_(1941) - but it was far less easy. Especially after the Royal Navy tightened up their lax security against enemy frogmen sneaking in to plant bombs on the bottoms of their battleships. The USN is quite aware of WWII history. I'd ask (1) who made the bad decision to stay dependent on Bahrain, and (2) how well protected are the USN's bases and anchorages against both frogmen planting bombs, and various similar threats.