Cancellation of the USS United States Supercarrier Project

The Cancellation of the USS United States Supercarrier Project was a sharp test of Harry S. Truman’s commitment to restraining defense spending. Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson abruptly canceled the $186 million carrier without warning either Truman or the Secretary of the Navy; Truman nevertheless approved the decision, and John Sullivan resigned in anger.

Background: Truman’s drive to curb defense costs

Truman’s experience with the Truman Committee had convinced him that large sums were being wasted on defense. He also distrusted generals and admirals when they managed public money. Louis Johnson, appointed Secretary of Defense, shared Truman’s determination to hold down spending and moved forcefully to reorganize the Pentagon and reduce costs.

The cancellation and its immediate consequences

In late April, Johnson canceled construction of the USS United States, a new supercarrier costing $186 million and a major component of the Navy’s program. He acted without advance warning to Truman or Sullivan. Sullivan resigned in a rage. Truman liked Sullivan and did not blame him for leaving, but he approved the cancellation nonetheless.

Defense cuts and the policy dispute

The carrier decision came amid a wider retrenchment. In May, Johnson ordered another $1.4 billion cut from the military budget, to the disbelief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He defended the reductions by asserting that the United States could defeat the Soviet Union even with one hand tied behind its back. The episode thus joined Truman’s effort to impose financial discipline to a growing dispute over whether the cuts were weakening national defense. Although Johnson was doing what Truman had asked, his manner and decisions troubled the President.