New Navy ship to carry USS Indianapolis name

The U.S. Navy intends to name a new combat ship the USS Indianapolis, honoring the crew of the cruiser of the same name whose sinking in the final weeks or World War II was the military branch’s worst single loss of life at sea.

Rear Admiral Rick Williamson, the Navy’s Midwest Region commander, read a letter from Navy Secretary Ray Mabus on notifying Congress of the name selection to survivors of the sinking during a reunion banquet Saturday night.

“Once again the name Indianapolis will put to sea on the stern of the U.S. Navy warship, carrying on the tradition of service that you and your shipmates have forever associated with the name,” said the letter dated July 29. “You should be very proud of the legacy which you leave for our Navy and our nation.”

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