During which operation did the Navy play a critical role in transporting troops and supplies over long distances?

The correct choice emphasizes the significant role the Navy played during Operation Overlord, which refers to the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. This operation showcased the Navy's vital capability in conducting amphibious assaults, as well as transporting troops and supplies across the English Channel to establish a foothold in Europe.

Operation Overlord is particularly notable for its extensive planning and execution involving naval and marines forces, which coordinated land, sea, and air operations. The successful transportation of a large number of troops and supplies by sea was essential for the invasion's success, demonstrating the Navy's strategic importance in projecting power and supporting ground forces over long distances in a collaborative effort with other military branches.

The other operations mentioned, while also involving significant naval participation, do not illustrate the same level of initial strategic sea mobility and logistics as Operation Overlord, where the Navy's transport capabilities were most prominently showcased in a decisive historical moment.