What strategic concept involved building and using an 'island chain' of bases to secure the Pacific theater's supply routes?

• A. Island hopping strategy
• B. Sea denial doctrine
• C. Island chain strategy
• D. Air-sea control concept

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is the idea of creating a linked line of forward bases to safeguard and sustain the Pacific supply lines. By establishing airfields, ports, repair facilities, and fuel depots on a sequence of captured islands, forces could project power deeper into the theater while keeping shipping and air operations well supplied and protected from disruption. This continuous network of bases—an island chain—made logistics more reliable, reduced distances for resupply, and allowed quicker reinforcement as operations moved westward. The emphasis is on the chain of bases and their role in securing lines of communication, which is why this choice best fits. Island hopping is related in practice, but the term island chain strategy specifically highlights the interconnected base network used to protect and enable logistics. The other options describe broader ideas that don’t center on building and leveraging a linked base network for supply routes.