American battleship range and coaling stations

Why did American battleships cross the Pacific more slowly than faster British ships?

The United States had fewer coaling stations, so economical speed helped preserve range between refueling points.

American battleships needed economical passage speeds because the United States lacked Britain's worldwide network of coaling stations. British ships could accept higher fuel consumption knowing that friendly refueling points lay along major routes. American designers and commanders had to stretch endurance across the Pacific with fewer places to stop. The contrast ties battle-line speed and operating range to overseas bases as much as machinery.