How the US Navy went from 6,700 Ships to just 300

Everyone would agree that an 80% weight loss is unhealthy. Well, that's what happened to the US Navy in the late 1940s, which almost killed the Navy. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and this, is #NotWhatYouThink #NWYT #longs

Music:
Spy - spring gang
Ocean Traveler - Calm Shores
The Long Way Home - Hampus Naeselius
Car Chase - Hampus Naeselius
No Going Back - Wendel Scherer
Connection - Aerian
Rise from the Ashes - Sam Shore

Footage:
US Department of Defense

Note: "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."

[brianw]

My Dad enlisted in the USN as a teenager in 1947. One of his first posts was in Sasebo disposing of surplus naval war assets by preparing them for sinking in the Pacific. His stories of the countless tons of top line, often unused, equipment and tools sent to the bottom was mind boggling.

[zde]

I Just forgot that every friday we get long vids, cheers NWYT!

[PS-ugnm]

4:06 Liked the way he didn't shake his hand with Truman 😂

[wolfroze]

Truman:sinks the navy
Also truman:Naval blockade north korea
The navy:we cant do that
Truman:*Surprised Pikachu Face"

[nathaniellancaster]

4:06 This is probably the most awkward handshake in the century

[thesealord]

US Navy: I lost 80% of my fleet
.
.
Royal Navy: First Time?

[bgezal]

Naming the carrier USS Forrestal is such a salty comeback from the Navy.

[abhaybishnoi]

Maybe a video on the USN during the civil war? Seems like a forgotten topic. Great video as always!

[jimsvideos]

Attacking Russia with carriers means approaching slowly from the south giving ample time to react. Sending bombers over the North Pole gave (at least in the late 40s and 50s) half a chance of surprising them.

[Ratkill]

Im astounded at the American obsession with starting every conflict at a disadvantage because of internal politics. The adaptability and independence of the US armed forces has always been its saving grace, and a sufficient counterbalance. I worry now of the fusion of top brass and politics though, I don't think we've ever had the DoD and Generalship so integrated with partisan politics before.

[joshuabessire]

When CVN-75's name was changed prior to commissioning, it was said to be the second time Truman sank the United States.

[SpringDivers]

Ah, the USS Forrestal CVA-59. My home for the better part of four years.

[wiryantirta]

I mean at the time the thinking was
"what about land warfare?"
USAF: "nukes"
"what about sea warfare?"
USAF: "nukes"

[mpersad]

A very well researched piece. Thank you.

[SakorskySP]

It's always a good day when NWYT uploads





Thanks @british cow

[yolkiandeji]

I thought this was going to be about that period in the 90’s when the Navy had no money.

[snoke]

Makes me proud to be in the Navy knowing this little bit of our history

[somedudes]

I hope we don't do something stupid as sinking our own navy ever again.

[meramakeit]

I cant ever imagine a modern naval war. the last naval battle ever fought is on leyte gulf philippines.

[CoffeeMug]

Even today, Navies are seen as a greater symbol of power. The more ships a country has the more powerful they are for the eyes of people.