Steam machinery made distant support a manufacturing problem as well as an inventory problem. Larger bases could maintain foundries able to cast or heat-treat parts and at least attempt repairs to damaged components. Otherwise a ship had to report the exact failure, wait for a replacement to travel from home, and remain unavailable until it was fitted. Forward industrial capacity therefore shortened both the physical supply chain and the time a damaged ship stayed out of service.
Notable Point · 49:19-50:08
Forward foundries and the spare-parts problem
Large overseas bases tried to cast, heat-treat, or repair machinery parts locally because waiting for a replacement from home could immobilize a ship for months.