The Aleutian campaign began before the infrastructure needed to support it was fully developed. The Alaska Highway had received final authorization only in February 1942, a few months before the Japanese attacks. Much American support still had to come from Seattle. Long distances and the lack of established northern connections made infrastructure a constraint on the response.
Notable Point · 2:23:53-2:25:10
Aleutian supply lines and the unfinished Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway was newly authorized when the Aleutian campaign began, leaving American forces dependent on distant support.