The US Navy's Pacific focus gave it a clearer logistical problem than Britain's global posture. Holding the Philippines and Guam would have allowed slow tankers to feed forward bases while a smaller fast group served the fleet. Once War Plan Orange contemplated operating from Pearl Harbor after losing those positions, the final delivery leg became much longer. More fast oilers consequently became necessary, clarifying why the two navies could value similar techniques differently.
Chapter · 45:24-49:03
War Plan Orange and forward bases
American fast-oiler requirements grew as War Plan Orange confronted the possibility of losing western Pacific forward bases.