USS Indianapolis
The USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class cruiser of the United States Navy which is commonly associated with the greatest disaster in United States naval history when she was torpedoed and sunk in July of 1945. Indianapolis was constructed at the New York Shipbuilding Co. in Camden, New Jersey in 1930. The vessel was commissioned into the United States naval fleet in November of 1932 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Her first commander was Captain John. M. Smealie.
During her peacetime tenure leading up to WWII, Indianapolis was a flagship vessel of the country’s navy and even transported Franklin D. Roosevelt on a good neighbor cruise to South America in 1936, stopping in Rio de Janeiro and Monteviedo. Indianapolis’ first combat action took place within the Pacific Rim where she was placed deep in Japanese-controlled of the South Pacific. There, she completed a number of important missions while servicing American vessels and providing support to Allied fleets in the region.
Indianapolis however, is most famous for the events which led to her sinking. After major overhauls, Indianapolis was ordered to the Tinian Island, carrying with her the major components and parts of what would become the first atomic bomb dropped on Japan later that year. Her mission was top-secret, as the Japanese were not yet aware that the allies had developed this technology. After dropping off her important cargo, she was ordered to the Gulf of Leyte. On July, 30th however, she was struck by two Japanese torpedoes and sunk within minutes, taking 300 men down with her. 900 men went into the water. Among them, only 300 were rescued four days later, as the remainder perished as a result of shark attack, dehydration, and drowning.
Those lucky enough to survive the disaster of the Indianapolis were also affected by asbestos exposure that occurred during their naval tenure later on in life. Asbestos use was common aboard naval vessels and many of those who served aboard these ships have been diagnosed with the rare cancer mesothelioma, known only to be caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Those who believe they may have been exposed should consult with a physician if they notice adverse respiratory symptoms and make clear that you have a known asbestos history. Early identification of asbestos-related disease is important to being eligible for aggressive treatment.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
