Crete becomes Greece's southern naval redoubt

Once ports, railways, and defences exist, basing Greece's Katsonis- and Protefs-class submarines on Crete becomes a logical next step. The island could support operations into the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic while serving as a southern redoubt behind the Metaxas Line. It would also backstop either coast of mainland Greece and force an enemy to account for the island before exploiting the surrounding seas. Ports, railways, and defences would give the island enough military value to justify further investment. The broader policy lesson is that new assets bring follow-on opportunities and an obligation to protect them.