"Base Planning in Paradise: OPNAV Plans for a Pacific Base System, 1946"

In 1946, the United States Navy was continuing its drawdown in the Pacific Basin. Attempting to reorient itself from the Pacific to the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Persian Gulf, the Navy at the same time had to carry out its duties in a context of severe budget cuts from the Truman Administration, cuts which resulted in major force structure and base reductions. In addition, millions of personnel were demobilizing, a situation which added to problems for Navy planners when it came to adjustment to the postwar world. This situation is not only significant for study in itself but illustrative for today as to how a large military service has to adjust to changed missions with reduced resources.