Watch The Recorded Ceremony Here
Join us on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Naval Aviation Museum for a special ceremony commemorating the USS Indianapolis and its enduring legacy. This event will take place in the Blue Angels Atrium, where we will honor the bravery of those who served aboard the ship and the remarkable story of its exoneration.
Click here to view the event flyer
The USS Indianapolis was tragically sunk in 1945, leaving many of its crew members lost at sea. For decades, the ship’s captain, Charles Butler McVay III, was blamed for the tragedy, despite evidence that suggested otherwise. But thanks to the relentless determination of a young Pensacola student, Captain McVay was exonerated posthumously.
Commander Hunter Scott, a Pensacola native and the driving force behind the exoneration of Captain McVay, will be our special guest speaker. His journey began at just 12 years old, when a scene from the movie Jaws sparked his curiosity about the USS Indianapolis. What started as a school project soon became a mission that would change history.
As a sixth-grade student at Ransom Middle School, Scott interviewed nearly 150 survivors and reviewed over 800 documents. His research uncovered critical details that led to the reopening of the case in Congress, resulting in the exoneration of Captain McVay. His work has since been recognized as a remarkable example of historical research and tenacity, and Scott’s dedication continues to inspire.
The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the presentation of colors by Escambia High School, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Dr. Patty Crisp. Dr. Dave Snyder will provide an invocation. Before the event begins, the Blue Anchor Belles will perform a patriotic medley from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
After the opening, Commander Hunter Scott will take the stage to share the incredible story of his research and the journey that led to the exoneration of Captain McVay. Historian Hill Goodspeed will provide a historical overview of the USS Indianapolis, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the significance of this chapter in American history.
A highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a special Legacy Wall Plaque.
This ceremony is free and open to the public, and we invite all to attend and honor the legacy of the USS Indianapolis and its crew. It is an opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of the past and to celebrate the tireless efforts that have brought justice and exoneration to those who served with honor.
We look forward to seeing you there!