The third point of my trip to the States was Indianapolis. In addition to tourist New York, Chicago and Washington, I definitely wanted to see what unexplored America looks like - those places where there are no tourists at all. Indianapolis was just on the way from Chicago to Washington. Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana. The state of Indiana is an agricultural state, the natural landscapes reminded me very much of the landscapes of the Odessa region. You look out of the bus window - it’s like you’re in Ukraine. Nature is no different. The trip from Chicago took about five hours. By the way, at the station in Chicago there was a sign with the weather forecast “Tornado”. I thought it was a joke. But along the way there were such rains and hurricanes that a tornado was not far away. I asked the Americans if they close highways in the event of a tornado. The answer was simple: no, everyone goes at their own risk and peril. That is, if you are caught in a tornado zone, it is your own fault. And this is one of the most developed countries in the world? I doubt that in Scandinavia or Austria/Switzerland they would allow driving on highways if there was a risk of avalanches. But here, as they say, Welcome to America!

A few words about transport in the USA. Mostly everyone drives cars. Those who are not in cars fly by plane. And some, like us, take buses between cities. While traveling around America, we traveled by Greyhound buses, the most expensive. I don’t know what cheaper low-cost buses look like, but Greyhound is disgusting in every way. We often came across dirty, shabby buses. I’m generally silent about the contingent that travels with them. Very ambiguous. It would obviously be uncomfortable to travel alone. Bus stations are in disgusting condition, toilets are worse than many Asian countries. Nobody cares about cleanliness here - neither the Americans nor the cleaning staff. But let's get back to Indianapolis. The city center, like in many American cities, is a continuous cluster of skyscrapers. After Chicago and its architectural masterpieces, the center of Indianapolis is clearly not impressive. For example, look at what a stadium in the city looks like. I have never seen such ugliness in Europe!

The strangest thing about Indianapolis is the sheer number of monuments dedicated to... civil war in USA. Moreover, as the locals told me, the war was not even close here. Why the state of Indiana created so many monuments on this topic, no one knows. Prices in Indianapolis are slightly cheaper than Chicago, by about one dollar. This doesn’t matter much; it’s still expensive compared to European countries. If you want to save money, go to Subway, Pizza Hut or numerous Taco places. By the way, Subway has a special of the day - for $3.50 you can eat half a large sandwich. Every day a different sandwich. Very profitable to buy compared to regular prices.

Willy-nilly, I catch myself thinking that while writing this article, I am each time inclined to write something general about life in the States, and not about the city itself. What about Indianapolis? To be honest, there is nothing special to write about. The most a nice place- a small park by the river overlooking Downtown. Here you can have a picnic and watch how Americans relax. Some are lying in hammocks, some are riding bicycles, and some are also having a picnic. The choice of entertainment in Indianapolis is, to put it mildly, not great. By the way, let me remind you that in the States it is prohibited to drink alcohol at picnics. In my opinion, this is an idiotic law that restricts people's rights. The fact that in many cities of the country the air is saturated with the smell of weed does not particularly concern the authorities, but drinking a bottle of beer is already a crime. Is weed really more harmless than beer? American logic defies explanation.

If you walk along pedestrian bridge in the city center, you will go straight to the Stones Park. I forgot the exact name, and Google Maps doesn't show it either. But you won't get lost - the entrance is right opposite the bridge. Considering that there are so many attractions in the city, we decided to take a walk to this park. The park is another example of the notorious American logic. So, there are stone walls on both sides of the narrow road. There is a road in the middle. Everyone goes straight. One kilometer. Second. Third. Fourth... The landscape does not change. Having freaked out, we turned back. How can you call a stupid road to nowhere many kilometers long a park? On the way to the center you can watch the White River. Although judging by the color of the water, the name “Brown River” would be more suitable. But the Indians had a different opinion.

Realizing that there was nothing to catch in the city, we went to see how the suburbs lived. The suburbs of the capital of Indiana are a separate matter. Transport runs once an hour, and on weekends it may not run at all. If you don't have a car, forget about comfort! Sometimes there is not even a footpath to walk along the road. In my opinion, this is simply disgusting. What if a person doesn’t know how to drive a car, doesn’t have money for a taxi, or just likes to walk? Is it really impossible to respect the rights of pedestrians? In the States, they have a different opinion. Either you will drive a car, or you may simply get hit on the roadway - since there is simply no road for pedestrians in many areas. Pay attention to the photo on the right. There is nowhere to go. True, on this section of the road we were lucky: on the left there is a minimal opportunity to pass not on the roadway. Many other roads do not have this luxury! Now remember what sidewalks look like in the European Union. Do you feel the difference?

Houses in rural areas look very rich. American flags hang everywhere. Everything is well maintained, clean, tasteful. One house is more beautiful than the other. It’s just that there is such deathly silence around that it becomes uneasy. Life in such a place would be suitable for 100% phlegmatic people, but even for me, with my calm temperament, it was incredibly boring here. When I'm 60 years old, I would love to live in a place like this. But during your youth you can simply wither away here. The only entertainment for young people is numerous bars. There are also a lot of liquor stores in Indiana, which is immediately noticeable compared to other states. By the way, with a very tasty Pale Ale beer. This is Indianapolis and its suburbs.

Overall rating: 11/30

Sights: 2/5

Prices: 2/5

Architecture: 1/5

Safety and comfort: 2/5

Transport: 1/5

Climate: 3/5

Let me sum it up. Is non-tourist America interesting? Definitely not. This is not Europe, where you go, for example, to Brno or Rotterdam, and then return with a state of shock - how much these cities surprised you with their beauty. Forget it! America and Europe are two huge differences. In non-tourist America, you will see a dozen boxes in the city center, like in Indianapolis, the same type of streets and houses. Nothing special. Indianapolis is the most uninteresting city I've ever seen in the States. There is absolutely nothing to see there. Maybe just go to a couple of museums. True, museums can be visited in more interesting cities. But there is also a plus in visiting such cities. You can’t make a picture about life in the USA based on the main cities. The states are very different from one another, and to understand how the country as a whole lives, you need to look at cities like Indianapolis.

USS Indianapolis (CA-35)

Historical data

Total information

EU

real

dock

Booking

Armament

Air group (after modernization)

• 2 OS2U seaplanes Kingfisher.

Main caliber artillery

• 3 × 3 - 203 mm Mark 9 guns.

Flak

• 8 × 1 - 127 mm guns;
• 8×1 - 12.7mm M2 Browning.

Same type ships

USS Indianapolis (CA-35)(Russian) "Indianapolis" listen) - ship of the series of heavy cruisers Portland, the second in the series. Named after the American city of Indianapolis, the capital of the state of Indiana. Took part in the Second World War. Killed by torpedoing by a Japanese submarine in 1945. The ship received 10 battle stars for its service during the war.

General information

Heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis was the flagship of US Navy Admiral Raymond Spruance, who commanded the 5th Fleet in the central Pacific during World War II. The sinking of the ship in 1945 resulted in the largest single loss of personnel in US naval history. On July 30, 1945, after delivering parts to create the first atomic bomb to the air force base in Tinian, the cruiser was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-58, and after 12 minutes it completely sank. Of the 1,196 crew on board, about 300 sank with the ship.

The 900 people who survived, who found themselves in sea water, were left virtually without water, food and were subjected to grueling starvation, dehydration, salt water poisoning, having only a few swimming devices at their disposal. And only 4 days later the crew of the PV-1 patrol aircraft Ventura during a duty flight over the water area, the crew of the USS was noticed in the water Indianapolis. Only 317 people survived.

History of creation

USS Indianapolis was the second and last ship in a series of heavy cruisers of the type Portland. This was the third type of heavy cruiser of the US Navy, which were designed in accordance with the Washington Naval Treaties of 1922. They were preceded by two cruisers of the type Pensacola, which were ordered in 1926, and six cruisers of the type Northampton, ordered in 1927. Having been ordered for the US Navy in 1930, the cruiser Indianapolis designed as lightweight, designated CL-35. But on July 1, 1931, in accordance with the London Naval Agreement, it was reclassified as heavy with a change in number to SA-35.

Design

The entire series of 8 ships was designed as light cruisers as a development of cruisers of the type Northampton. But only two ships were completed (USS Portland and USS Indianapolis). The remaining six, together with the developments obtained during construction, were completed as a new type of cruisers - New Orleans.

Construction and testing

Five ships were ordered in 1930 and their construction was entrusted to three shipbuilding companies. In 1931, cruisers with indexes CA-32, CA-34, And CA-36 were ordered by the company Westinghouse Machinery and during the construction process were reclassified into type New Orleans. USS Portland was mortgaged by the company Bethlehem Steel February 17, 1930, and the U.S.S. Indianapolis company New York Shipbuilding Corporation March 31, 1930. Moreover, being laid down second in the series, USS Indianapolis was launched earlier than the lead ship of the series - November 7, 1931 versus May 21, 1932 for USS Portland. Entered service on November 15, 1932.

Description of design and armament

Diagram of the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35)

Detailed information about the design, armor and armament of cruisers is given in the article on Portland-class heavy cruisers.

Power plant and driving performance

The ship had 4 propeller shaft, which were rotated by four Parsons turbines, with 8 boilers manufactured by the company "Yarrow". The projected power of the power plant is 107,000 hp. was supposed to ensure the ship's speed of 32 knots (59 km/h). The ship's cruising range was 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 thousand km) at a speed of 15 knots (28 km/h). The ship had poor handling until a keel was later installed under the bottom.

The fuel tank capacity was 2,125 (1,928 metric) tons. The ship's cruising range at a speed of 15 knots was 8,640 nautical miles, at a speed of 25 knots - 4,500 nautical miles. During trials in 1932, the cruiser USS Indianapolis showed a speed of 32.65 knots with a displacement of 11,092 tons and a power of 108,317 hp.

Armament

Auxiliary/anti-aircraft artillery

According to the project, the ship's anti-aircraft armament consisted of

Communications, detection, auxiliary equipment

On ships of this type there were two catapults for 4 seaplanes, 2 of which were stored on the hangar deck under open air. But on a cruiser USS Indianapolis 5 aircraft were based, the fifth was the flagship aircraft of the cruising forces. In the early 30s, seaplanes of the type were based on the ship Vought O2U/O3U Corsair, during the war years - Curtiss SOC Seagull, Vought OS2U Kingfisher, Curtiss SC Seahawk.

The ship had a Mk.27 fire control system, the basis of which was two small cylindrical directors with 12.7 mm anti-fragmentation armor, instead of the large glass areas of previous cruisers. To control anti-aircraft fire, Mk.19 posts have been preserved.

Modernization and refurbishment

After the US entered the Second World War, the cruiser received six quad 28-mm automatic guns. Already in 1945, the ship received 24 40-mm Bofors as anti-aircraft weapons in the form of six quad turrets, also 4 twin 40-mm Bofors, and 16 single 20-mm Oerlikons.

At the beginning of 1942, the Mk.19 anti-aircraft artillery control posts were replaced with a modification Mark 33. And on USS Indianapolis they were placed on the bow and stern superstructures, while on USS Portland they were located on the wings of the bow bridge. Radars were installed at the same time S.C., FC Mk.3 And FD Mk.4.

In 1943, the ship underwent modernization, during which the bridge design was simplified and the mainmast was replaced with a lighter lattice one installed in front of the second chimney. Radar systems SK and SG were installed.

During World War II, the 203 mm main caliber guns of the ship were modified Mark 9 were replaced by a modification Mark 14, which differed from their predecessors in chrome-plated holes for guns and the reduced size of the gun turret itself.

Service history

Interwar period

Aerial photograph of the Reconnaissance Unit in the Panama Canal Zone. The fleet consists of destroyers, light cruisers and the flagship USS Indianapolis (CA-35) (pictured in the center group on the far right). April 23, 1934

During the command of First Captain John M. Smely, cruiser USS Indianapolis took an impromptu cruise across the Atlantic to Guantanamo Bay, where he arrived on February 23, 1932. After this, the ship proceeded through the Panama Canal to conduct exercises off the Chilean coast. After extensive repairs at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the ship departed for Maine to transport President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, where she arrived on July 1, 1933. Having left the same day, USS Indianapolis July 3 arrived at Annapolis, Maryland. During their stay in Annapolis, 6 members of the government lived on the ship along with President Roosevelt. After the President disembarked, the ship left Annapolis on July 4 for the Philadelphia shipyard.

6 September cruiser USS Indianapolis picked up US Secretary of the Navy Claude A. Swanson to inspect the fleet in the Pacific. The ship visited the Panama zone, Hawaii, as well as San Pedro and San Diego. The Chief Secretary left the ship on October 27th.

November 1, 1933 cruiser USS Indianapolis received status as the flagship of Reconnaissance Force 1, and carried out active patrols near California. On April 9, 1934, the ship departed Long Beach, California, for New York City, where it arrived to receive President Roosevelt for a second inspection of the fleet. The ship returned to Long Beach on November 9, 1934, where she continued training with Reconnaissance Force 1 as the fleet's flagship until 1941. On November 18, 1936, the ship picked up Roosevelt for the third time in Charleston, South Carolina, and cruised with him to South America. The ship visited Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina and Montevideo in Uruguay on state business of the President. On December 15, the cruiser returned to Charleston and landed the President's team ashore.

World War II period

7 December 1941 heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis bombed Johnston Atoll during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship later joined Task Force 12 to search for the Japanese fleet carrier group responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor. But it was not possible to find her. On December 13, the ship returned to Pearl Harbor and became part of Task Force 11.

New Guinea Campaign

As part of Task Force 11, the ship went to Southern part Pacific Ocean, to a position 560 km from Rabaul, New Britain Islands, as an escort for an aircraft carrier USS Lexington. On February 20, 1942, in the afternoon, American ships were attacked by 18 Japanese aircraft. 16 of them were shot down by an air group with USS Lexington, the other two were shot down by the formation's air defense systems.

March 10 Task Force 11 reinforced by a force led by an aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, attacked Lae and Salamaua in New Guinea, where large Japanese forces were stationed. Attacking from the south, from the Stanley Mountains, the US air force took the Japanese fleet by surprise and inflicted devastating losses on the enemy, severely damaging warships and transport ships, losing only a few aircraft. USS Indianapolis returned to Mare Island to refit before escorting convoy to Australia.

Aleutian Campaign

Shortly thereafter, the cruiser sailed north to support American troops in the Battle of the Aleutian Islands. August 7 USS Indianapolis As part of Task Force 11, he attacked Kiska Island with Japanese buildings located on it. Since the fog prevented normal visibility, USS Indianapolis together with other ships carried out a massive shelling of the bay. Later, naval reconnaissance officers reported sunk Japanese ships in the bay and damaged coastal structures. After 15 minutes, the Japanese coastal guns returned fire, but the ship’s main caliber guns were soon destroyed. Japanese submarines, which were approaching the fleet at this time, were attacked by depth charges from destroyers and were forced to withdraw. Japanese dive bombers also made an extremely unsuccessful attack. Despite the lack of intelligence on Japanese forces, the operation was very successful.

USS Indianapolis during World War II. Location unknown.

Allied forces later occupied Adak Island, thereby establishing a naval base in Dutch Bay on Unalaska Island. In January 1943, USS Indianapolis supported the landing and capture of Amchitka, part of the Aleutian Islands.

February 19 at the head of two destroyers USS Indianapolis patrolled the southwestern part of Attu Island, looking for Japanese ships that supplied Kiska and Attu Islands. Soon the Japanese transport ship Akagane Maru was intercepted. The transport tried to radio about the American attack, but was fired upon by the cruiser. Soon it exploded and was sunk with all its cargo and crew.

In mid-1943, the cruiser USS Indianapolis continued escorting American convoys near the Aleutian Islands. Also took part in the shelling of priority coastal targets. In May, Allied forces captured Attu Island and then advanced to Kiska Island, the last Japanese outpost in the Aleutian Islands. On August 15, the landing of troops began on last island, but as it turned out, the Japanese had already left the Aleutian Islands completely.

Actions in 1943

After refitting on Mare Island, USS Indianapolis went to Hawaii as the flagship of Vice Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, commanding the 5th Fleet. On November 10, the ship departed Pearl Harbor as part of the main strike force of the Southern Attack Force to participate in the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. On November 19, the ship shelled Tarawa Atoll and the next day - Makin Island. After this, the ship returned to Tarawa as fire cover for the landing, where it remained for three days until the landing completely secured the captured island. The capture of the Marshall Islands led to the final Allied victory in the capture of the Gilbert Islands. USS Indianapolis continued to serve as the flagship of the 5th Fleet.

Actions in 1944

January 31, 1944 USS Indianapolis As part of his task force, he went to Kwazhelein Atoll for its subsequent bombardment. During the shelling, the cruiser neutralized two coastal batteries enemy. The next day, the ship destroyed the checkpoint and other Japanese buildings, and also supported the landing with powerful barrage fire from its guns. On February 4, the ship entered Kvazhelein Bay and remained there until the enemy resistance forces were completely destroyed.

USS Indianapolis docked at Mare Island Shipyard. November 26, 1944. View of the left side of the front of the ship

In March and April USS Indianapolis still in her role as flagship of the 5th Fleet, she launched an attack on the western part of the Caroline Islands. On March 30-31, aircraft carrier formations sank 3 enemy destroyers, 17 transport ships, 5 tankers near the island of Palau and damaged 17 other ships. The airfields were bombed and surrounded by water mines. The islands of Yap and Ulithi were attacked on 31 March and Woleai on 1 April. Japanese planes attempted an attack but were forced to retreat without damaging the American ships. USS Indianapolis shot down his second plane, a Japanese torpedo bomber. In total, the enemy lost 160 aircraft, including 46 at the airfield. These attacks prevented Japanese forces from supporting the Caroline Islands during the Allied landings in New Guinea.

Throughout June, the 5th Fleet attacked the Marianas. On June 11, attacks on the island of Saipan began by aircraft carrier formations. After which, on June 13, coastal shelling began from ships where the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis performed main role. On June 15, the day of the landing, Admiral Spruance learned that enemy battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers were heading south to relieve their garrisons in the Mariana Islands. Since such an ambitious operation had to be defended at all costs, Admiral Spruance could not move far from his position. As a result, he sent a fast force of aircraft carriers to intercept the incoming Japanese naval forces. While other Allied groups attacked air bases on Iwo Jima and Chichizima.

On July 19, the American fleet engaged Japanese forces in the Philippine Sea. Air groups from Japanese aircraft carriers, which hoped to use the airfields in Guam and Tinian to refuel and replenish ammunition, were met by aircraft from Allied carrier formations and air defense systems of their covering ships. On that day, according to Navy reports, 426 enemy aircraft were destroyed, while only 29 were lost. The heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis one torpedo bomber was shot down. This day of dogfighting soon became known as the Mariana Turkey Shoot. With enemy air resistance broken, allied carrier air groups sank the Japanese carrier IJN Hiyō(Japanese 飛鷹 - “Flying Hawk”), two destroyers, one tanker and damaged others. Two other enemy aircraft carriers IJN Taihō And IJN Shōkaku were sunk by submarines.

June 23 USS Indianapolis returned to Saipan to restore fire support, and six days later went to Tinian Island to bombard coastal buildings. Meanwhile, Guam was taken, and USS Indianapolis was the first ship to enter Apra Harbor since the war. The ship continued combat operations in the area Mariana Islands over the next few weeks. Then he went to the Western Caroline Islands, where a landing was planned soon. From September 12 to 29, the ship shelled the island of Peleliu from the Palau group of islands to prepare for the landing. After this, the cruiser departed for Manus Island from the Admiralty Islands group, where she operated for 10 days before returning to the Mare Island naval shipyard.

Actions in 1945

February 14, 1945 after major repairs, heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis joined Vice Admiral Mark A. Mitscher's Fast Carrier Task Force. Two days later, the vice admiral's group attacked Tokyo, providing fire cover for the landing on Iwo Jima, which was planned for February 19. This was the first attack by carrier forces since the Doolittle Raid. The purpose of the task was to destroy Japanese production facilities for the production of aircraft and other structures in the homeland of the Japanese. The fleet achieved tactical surprise in an attack on the Japanese coast under cover bad weather. The attacks continued for 2 days. The Allied forces lost 49 aircraft, while the Japanese suffered a massive loss of 499 aircraft. Also, the forces of the task force of Vice Admiral Mark A. Mitscher sunk an aircraft carrier, 9 coast guard vessels, 2 escort destroyers and a transport ship. Was destroyed a large number of ground structures for both industrial and civil purposes.

USS Indianapolis under fire near Saipan. June 1944

Immediately after the attack, the unit sailed to Bonin Island to support the landing on Iwo Jima, where the ship remained until March 1, conducting coastal bombardments and providing covering fire for the landing party. 25 February USS Indianapolis returned to Vice Admiral Mitscher's formation to conduct a second attack on Tokyo and Hachiyo from south coast Honshu Island the next day. Weather were very poor, and American forces destroyed 158 enemy aircraft and sank 5 small ships during shelling of coastal structures, and also destroyed several trains.

The next target of the US Navy was Okinawa, which was reachable from the main airfields. Japanese islands. The Fast Task Force was tasked with attacking enemy airfields in southern Japan to prevent the Japanese command from providing effective resistance during the Allied invasion. On March 14, the formation arrived on the shores of Japan from Uliti. March 18 from a distance of 160 km southwest of Kyushu Island. The purpose of the attack was to destroy airfields on the island of Kyushu and ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy in the harbors of the islands of Kobe and Kyure. The Japanese discovered the American forces on March 21 and sent 48 aircraft to intercept them. But all the Japanese planes were shot down by 24 fighters from the aircraft carrier group.

On March 24, preliminary shelling of Okinawa began before the landing. USS Indianapolis spent seven days shelling coastal defense buildings with his 200 mm main caliber shells. During this time, Japanese planes periodically attacked American ships. The cruiser shot down 6 units in total and damaged 2 more. On March 31, the ship's patrols USS Indianapolis noticed a Japanese plane flying from the side rising sun and immediately aimed at the command bridge in a vertical dive. The 20-mm anti-aircraft guns were unable to stop the enemy plane and after 15 seconds it was already over the ship. Although anti-aircraft fire hit it and forced it to turn, the bomber pilot managed to turn the plane to successfully drop a bomb on the ship from a height of 7.6 meters. After which he fell into the water near the stern of the ship. The falling bomb penetrated the deck, flew through the crew's prayer room, then went through the berthing compartment, then through the fuel compartments, and also passed through the keel of the ship before exploding in the water under the bottom of the ship. As a result of the explosion, the ship received two gaping holes in the keel, through which neighboring compartments were flooded, and as a result, 9 crew members died. The ship's bulkheads prevented subsequent flooding of adjacent compartments. Barely manageable USS Indianapolis headed to the port, radioing the repair ship along the way to provide emergency repairs. An inspection showed that the ship's propeller shafts were damaged, the fuel compartment was torn, and water purification equipment was also damaged. But still, USS Indianapolis made a long voyage across the Pacific Ocean to Mare Island under his own power.

Death

USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana

After major renovation USS Indianapolis received orders to proceed to the island of Tinian. On board, the ship carried parts as well as enriched uranium (about half the world's supply of uranium-235 at one time) for the Little One atomic bomb. Little Boy), which was later dropped on Hiroshima. On July 16, 1945, the cruiser departed San Francisco for Pearl Harbor, where it arrived on July 19. After which, the ship single-handedly delivered spare parts for the atomic bomb to the island of Tinian on July 26. After USS Indianapolis was sent to Guam, where part of the crew was supposed to finish their service on the ship, and at the same time replenish the crew with new sailors. On July 28, the cruiser departed Guam for Leyte Gulf, where the crew was to undergo training before continuing to Okinawa to join Vice Admiral Jess B. Ohlendorf's Task Force 95. On July 30 at 00.14 hours the ship was torpedoed on the starboard side near the bow by two torpedoes Type 95 out of 6 released by a Japanese submarine I-58 under the command of Mohitsuro Hashimoto. The explosions caused enormous damage to the ship. Soon the bow of the ship sank under the water, and 12 minutes later the ship completely sank along with 300 crew members out of a total of 1,196 people. The remaining crew members were left in the water with only a few lifeboats, many of whom did not even have life jackets.

The naval command had no idea that the ship had sunk until the surviving crew were discovered three and a half days later. USS Indianapolis. August 2 at 10.25 pilots PV-1 Ventura Lieutenant Wilbur Gwinn and Lieutenant Warren Colewell, while on duty patrol, noticed people drifting. Of the 880 people who survived the death of the ship, only 321 people were raised from the water alive, but 4 of them soon died. During their time in the water, survivors faced dehydration, hypothermia, food shortages, shark attacks and severe hallucinations. Some succumbed to suicide.

Before the flooding USS Indianapolis sent distress signals that were received at three stations. None of them responded to the message: the commander of the first was drunk, the commander of the second ordered his subordinates not to disturb him, and the commander of the third decided that this was a deception of the Japanese. At a Senate hearing in 1999, the ship's radio operator confirmed that the signal was transmitted minutes before the sinking. Also, shortly after the incident, naval reconnaissance intercepted a message about something sunk in the area of ​​the route. USS Indianapolis cruiser transferred from I-58 to headquarters It was also ignored.

Heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis became the last major US Navy ship sunk in World War II.

Commanders

Below is a table with a list of heavy cruiser commanders " USS Indianapolis for the entire period of its existence.

Last ship commander

The last captain of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Charles Butler McVay III

Captain Charles B. McVay III, who had commanded the ship since November 1944, was one of the survivors of the ship's sinking. In November 1945, he was brought to justice by a military tribunal for the death of the ship. He was accused of "endangering the ship by failing to carry out anti-torpedo maneuvers." On the other hand, there were facts that the command itself put the ship in a dangerous position.

Later, the captain of the attacking Japanese submarine himself I-58, testified that even the ship’s performance of anti-torpedo maneuvers would not have brought any result, and the ship would still have been torpedoed.

Eventually, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz overturned McVay's conviction and reinstated him. McVay retired in 1949 with the rank of rear admiral. Many survivors from the ship USS Indianapolis claimed that Captain Charles McVay was not to blame for the death of the ship, while at the same time some members of the families of the victims thought quite the opposite. The blame placed on the captain's shoulders led to him committing suicide in 1968 using his revolver. At that time he was 70 years old. On the day the ship sank, he just turned 47 years old.

In October 2000, the US Congress approved a resolution that Captain McVay's personnel file should record that he was exonerated of charges in the death of the cruiser USS Indianapolis, which was signed by US President Bill Clinton. The resolution also stated that despite the multiple losses of ships by the US Navy during World War II, only Captain Charles B. McVay III was court-martialed for the death of his ship. In July 2001, the Secretary of the Navy ordered Captain McVay's personnel file to be cleared of any record of blame for the death. USS Indianapolis.

– Indianapolis, or “Indy” for short. On this moment The city is home to about two million residents and is rightfully considered a major city in Indiana. 20 cities in the United States include Indianapolis by population.

In 1898, a memorial was erected in the state, the height of which is 87 meters. In downtown Indy stands the Monument Circle dedicated to military soldiers and sailors. Later Chase Tower was built - one of tall buildings Indiana and the One Indiana Square skyscraper.

The central areas that attract tourists are the advantages cultural life cities and generalize them into 6 blocks: The Whole Sale District, Canal and White River State Park, Broad Ripple Village, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue.

The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is located in Indy and was erected in honor of the military who served America. The first idea for the construction was a monument to the soldiers from Indiana who died in the First World War. But construction was completed only in 1951; the Great Depression was to blame for everything; it was for this reason that construction was frozen. The Mausoleum of Mausolus was a model during the construction of The War Memorial and is currently considered a wonder of the world.

Indianapolis is filled with city parks, there are about two hundred of them, the largest being Eagle Creek Park. The Indianapolis Zoo is located on the territory of one of the city's parks. Despite the fact that Indianapolis belongs to major cities USA, it does not have its own subway.

A famous and very large-scale event in the world of motorsports takes place annually in Indianapolis. The major world event, the Indy 500, lasts only one day, but this legendary auto race is known throughout the world. Initially, the track for this event was paved with 3 million bricks, which is why it was called a “brick pit”; now the track has an asphalt surface, but without changing tradition, the first yard of the starting line is paved with bricks. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where these sporting events are held, hosts 260 thousand fans.

Indianapolis is imbued with a military atmosphere, as evidenced by the memorials erected in the city. But once a year this city turns into a buzzing swarm of car engines, and this cannot but please car enthusiasts.

Indianapolis city on a map of the USA

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Welcome to Indianapolis, or, as Americans lovingly call it, just Indy! It is located in the Midwest, in the state of Indiana, which was once inhabited by Indians, although it was founded as a city only in 1819. So, the city is young, with many historical attractions, a rich excursion program, vibrant youth festivals, and is so loved by tourists! And it is especially interesting for those who cannot live without speed: after all, it is in Indianapolis that the large-scale automobile competitions Indy-500 and American Formula 1 take place. Its Downtown is No. 1 in the entire United States. Forbes thinks so. Don't believe me? Then let's go check it out!

Walk around the city

Arriving in Indie, you will first go to its center. Well, everyone knows it - aristocratic, atmospheric, luxurious, in it every street, every square, every building tells a little about the history of the city. Here are Victorian houses, and here are memorials to soldiers of the First World War, soldiers and sailors of all kinds of US soldiers. Here are the glass skyscrapers, and here are the classical buildings that house the city's museums.

Parks, squares, fountains, beautiful flower beds, a lot of cafes and many tourists who sit right on the lawns or steps, sip coffee and admire the state capital.

Indianapolis historic

Symbol of the city - (Soldiers" and Sailors" Monument). It is at this monument that people always gather, the main city events and festivals are held. And on New Year and Christmas, according to tradition, this memorial is decorated like a New Year tree.

At the top of the pedestal there is a figure of Victory, below there are many bronze and marble bas-reliefs. The Civil War Museum is located at the very base.

But if you go around the Monument with reverse side, you can see a fountain-waterfall. Very unusual and beautiful. Next to the monument are modern high-rise towers - the One Indiana Square skyscraper and the tallest building in Indianapolis - Chase Tower.

If you have been to Washington, then you will certainly compare Indy with it. There are also no large number of tall buildings, large squares, or memorials. The city has its own Capitol, because it, like any other city in the USA, personifies all the greatness of the American nation. This is a certain spirit of freedom and independence. Sometimes it seems that all Capitols in America are the same. But, taking a closer look, you see - they are all different, in the same style, but with their own character.

So, on the top of the dome it is decorated with figures of people from local Indian tribes. And along its perimeter you can see many monuments and sculptures dedicated to outstanding figures in US history. Judging by the fact that the Capitol has many benches, places to rest and free access to the inside, you cannot immediately say that this is a state government building.

In the city center, in Downtown, there is another Historical building, which is somewhat similar to one of the wonders of the world - the Mausoleum of Mausolus in Halicarnassus. This War memorial(War Memorial Plaza). The area in which it is located, with two museums, three parks, a black obelisk, steles, fountains and sculptures, is reminiscent of Washington's National Mall. In the building itself there is a military museum with an exhibition telling about the world wars. At the top there is the Temple of Peace and Unity, several exhibition areas, and conference rooms.

Opposite the obelisk there is a religious building, a Masonic shrine -. Every year, the War Memorial hosts Fourth of July, Veterans Day and other national events and official celebrations.

In the heart of Indianapolis is an old city block called Lockerbie Square. This is a typical example of an American city of the late 19th century, although judging by historical facts, the settlers of the area were Irish and Scots. Even before their appearance, this territory was apparently inhabited by people from Central Europe, because its name was "Germanytown".

Today, Lockerbie has preserved the house-museum of the poet and genius James W. Riley, a beautiful Italian-style mansion, unusual houses typical of German and Austrian cities, and historic American villas that introduce tourists to the city’s past.

Indiana State Treasury

As you exit White River State Park you will see a building Indianapolis Central Library. Here is a place that you should never miss. You can’t even imagine how interesting, beautiful, educational and cool it is there!

When you get inside, there is no feeling of a dark and pressing space on the brain - light penetrates from the huge glass windows and ceiling. True, for those who are accustomed to traditional aristocratic rooms, there are also these: everything is in wood, work tables and shelves with books, there is a table lamp on each table and silence...

But there are also nano-libraries in this huge center, which are more like a literary resort town, and in which mainly tourists with cameras wander. You can come here with your children. While you are busy searching for a suitable book or writing an essay, your children will be able to have fun in the children's center of the library, or go to watch cartoons in the cinema there.

An oasis in the center of the capital

Unusual in Indianapolis embankmentIndianaCentralCanal. This includes a pedestrian area along the river canal, and sports paths for runners and cyclists, bridges on which artists paint pictures, cozy cafes with tables right along the banks of the canal, and the canal itself, along which you can sail on a catamaran or pleasure boat in the company of ducks . I can’t even believe that among the skyscrapers and office centers There is such a cozy place to relax! Lucky are the locals whose houses are built right on the embankment of the Central Canal.

Cultural attractions in Indianapolis

A number of Indianapolis museums and galleries must be included in your cultural program for exploring the city. Let's start with art. Magnificent Indianapolis consists of 13 art studios, 3 exhibition galleries, concert hall and libraries. Today, it trains Indiana's young talents, as well as those for whom art is a hobby.

Among interesting places and, which introduces its visitors to masterpieces of visual art. There is a magnificent sculpture park on the territory, and more than 50 thousand paintings by artists from all over the world are exhibited in the museum’s halls.

You can get acquainted with the history of Indiana and its capital in State Museum Indiana. The museum halls are equipped with modern interactive equipment, and its collection, consisting of rarities, artifacts, and a documentary archive, is extremely popular among guests of Indianapolis. The museum is located in picturesque park White River State Park.

Indianapolis is a city whose streets and neighborhoods are thoroughly saturated with the history of the state, where you can see examples ancient culture and architecture at every step. Another museum telling about the history of the state, its settlers, their lives is Museum American Indians and Western art. Here you will see works of art depicting the life of the indigenous population of the state, as well as their household items, weapons, archival photographs, watch films about the Indians and their relationships with European settlers.

If you are traveling to Indianapolis with children or just want to return to your childhood, we recommend visiting. This is the largest museum of its kind in the world. On five floors you will get acquainted not only with exhibitions on natural history, world and American culture, but you will also see exhibits only in their only form, rare objects, and rare collections. The most visited are the paleontological exhibition “Dinosphere” and the composition “Glass Fireworks”. If you wish, you can visit city ​​zoo

Indianapolis Auto Racing

Indianapolis is known all over the world as the site of the prestigious Indy 500 races. They take place in the city for only one day, once a year on the last Sunday of May, but it attracts almost 260 thousand speed enthusiasts, fans, fans and just tourists who are in this time in the city. Oval track "Old Brickhouse" The Indianapolis Motor Speedway on this day it is completely filled with spectators. The first open-wheel car races took place in 1909, and since 1911 they began to be held annually. It is also interesting that at the end of the race, the winners on the podium drink not champagne, but milk. And in the middle of the last century, Formula 1 races took place on the legendary track.

When the race track is open Museum of Glory, which displays racing cars, fireballs that are more than a hundred years old, prizes, cups, flags, pilots’ clothing, archival photos, documents, in general, everything related to auto racing.

Very beautiful city. Everything in it is thought out for work and relaxation. And the green parks hanging gardens arts right in the city center, water canals, harmonious combination of old quarters and the new city, kilometers pedestrian streets make it attractive to travelers.

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Welcome to the United States of America!

Full title: Indianapolis
State:
Year of foundation: 1819
Population (with surrounding areas): 1.756 million people
Square: 963 sq. km.

In the heart of Indiana is the state capital, Indianapolis. It is the largest industrial and shopping mall with a diverse industry. Mechanical engineering, metallurgy, printing, and pharmaceuticals bring considerable income to the city. But it was the automobile industry that made Indianapolis famous. It originated in this city when the legendary Henry Ford was still walking under the table. The city has its own auto track for testing cars. Today it has turned into race track, where the Indy 500 competition is held. Formula 1 races are also held here. Indianapolis hosts massive cultural events every year.

Indianapolis Photos

Indianapolis has become the largest transportation hub in the Midwest and ranks third in size. Six pass through the city railways and numerous highways. The city has its own airport.

The cultural heritage of the city is carefully protected by its residents. The city has Art Museum, American Legion Headquarters, Benjamin Garrison House Museum. In addition, there is a war memorial called War Memorial Plaza. The city is divided into six historical zones, where different examples of architecture are presented. The magnificent architectural structure – the Scottish Rite Cathedral – deserves special attention.

Indianapolis is considered a strong educational center. A large number of ancient universities have been built in the city. For example, Butler University was founded back in 1855. Universities take an active part in the public life of the city. Museums and art galleries operate on the basis of educational institutions. Samples of delicious multinational cuisine are presented everywhere here.

In Indianapolis, the sports sector is at a high level. Sports competitions are often organized here. Indianapolis leaves behind vivid and unforgettable impressions, which is why tourism flourishes here.

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