During World War II, the US Navy fought in every ocean of the world, but it was the war in the Pacific against the Empire of Japan that would have the greatest impact on shaping the future of the US Navy.  The impact was so profound, that in many ways the US Navy of today has more in common with the Navy in 1945 than the Navy at the end of World War II had with the Navy in December 1941.  With the exception of strategic ballistic missile submarines, virtually every type of ship and command organization today is descended from those that were invented or matured in the crucible of World War II combat in the Pacific.

In this report, Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox, US Navy (Retired), explores the Pacific War and its ongoing impacts on the United States Navy. As Admiral Cox argues, this impact was so profound, that in many ways the US Navy of today has more in common with the Navy of 1945 than the Navy at the end of World War II had with the Navy in December 1941. These impacts, as well sa significant social changes within the service spurred by the war experience, carry forward into the US Navy of today.

This article is part of the Asia Program’s Legacy of the Pacific War series.