Here is a link to a story in today's Indianapolis "Star" about the reunion of survivors of the worst disaster in our Navy's history--the sinking of the pride of our American fleet, the Indianapolis.
These men are true American heroes.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050722/NEWS01/507220498

I think worst disaster in naval history and pride of the american fleet are a bit exagerated rendova. I would vote for Pearl Harbor as the worst disaster in american naval history and the pride of the american fleet would have to be a battleship or a carrier. wasnt the indy a cruiser?

I KNEW someone was going to bring up Pearl Harbor!

But yes, the Indianapolis was the fastest, most beautiful ship in our fleet. Which was why she was chosen to deliver components of the first atomic bomb to Tinian. She still has the speed record, I believe, for the run from San Fran to Pearl.

After delivering the bomb, she was sunk by a Japanese sub. The Indy was not zigzagging and the captain, who survived the sinking, was later court-martialed. (Years later, he shot himself.)

The sailors spent 5 days in the water before they were rescued. By this time they were either dead, insane, or eaten by sharks. The Navy erred in not reporting her missing immediately. A terrible error on the brass' part. This story was not fully reported in the papers until years later.

For further reading, try "All the Drowned Sailors" or any number of other good books about this terrible tale of death and heroism at sea.

Let's see - racing capital of the world - USS Indianapolis. Say, you're not from Indy, are you? ;)