Most of the deployed fleet reaches low-fuel status while operating far from American bases. The ships remain near Gibraltar while relations with Britain are improved in the hope that local supply will restore their endurance. Fuel levels begin to rise, and coal is singled out as the essential commodity behind continued operations. Diplomacy and access to allied infrastructure determine the practical range of a coal-fired battle fleet.
Notable Point · 2:31:38-2:33:04
Gibraltar coal sustains a distant fleet
A low-fuel American force recovers near Gibraltar while diplomacy with Britain supports access to coal.