USS Indianapolis (CA-35) off Mare Island on July 10, 1945

On July 10, 1945, the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was photographed off Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California. This moment came shortly before one of the most tragic events in U.S. naval history. The heavy cruiser had just undergone repairs and modifications to prepare for a top-secret mission that would play a crucial role in the closing stages of World War II.

The USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class heavy cruiser with a distinguished service record, including participation in numerous battles in the Pacific Theater. It served as the flagship for Admiral Raymond Spruance and played a significant role in operations such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea. By 1945, it had earned a reputation as a powerful and reliable warship.

The visit to Mare Island was part of the ship’s preparation for what would become its final and most critical mission: the delivery of parts for the atomic bomb known as “Little Boy,” which would later be dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. The USS Indianapolis was chosen for this mission due to its speed and reliability, vital factors for transporting the precious cargo across the Pacific Ocean.

The photograph taken on July 10, 1945, captures the USS Indianapolis in its prime. The ship appeared fully equipped and battle-ready, with modifications that enhanced its combat and navigational capabilities. Little did the crew know that just weeks later, they would be facing one of the greatest naval disasters in history.

After successfully delivering the bomb components to Tinian Island on July 26, 1945, the USS Indianapolis set sail for Leyte Gulf. On the night of July 30, the ship was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-58. The attack caused catastrophic damage, and the cruiser sank in just 12 minutes. Of the 1,195 crew members on board, about 300 went down with the ship, and the remaining 900 were left floating in the Pacific Ocean. Due to communication failures, the survivors were stranded in shark-infested waters for nearly five days before they were rescued. Tragically, only 316 sailors survived the ordeal.

The photograph of the USS Indianapolis off Mare Island on July 10, 1945, stands as a solemn reminder of the ship’s service and sacrifice. It captures the vessel just before embarking on a mission that would lead to a turning point in World War II and a heartbreaking tragedy for the U.S. Navy.