The National Naval Aviation Museum invites the public to join in a special ceremony honoring the legacy of the USS Indianapolis on Tuesday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Blue Angels Atrium. The event will feature special guest speaker Commander Hunter Scott, whose research as a sixth-grade student led to a historic Congressional investigation and the exoneration of Captain Charles Butler McVay III.
- Commander Scott, a Pensacola native and alumnus of Ransom Middle School and Pensacola High School, gained national attention for his research into the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.
- At just 12 years old, Scott embarked on a National History Day project after being inspired by a scene from the movie Jaws. His dedication to uncovering the truth led him to interview nearly 150 survivors of the sinking and review over 800 documents.
- Scott’s findings exonerated Captain McVay, who had long been blamed for the tragedy, and played a crucial role in the United States Congress reopening the case and ultimately exonerating him posthumously.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with the presentation of colors by Escambia High School, followed by the National Anthem performed by Dr. Patty Crisp and an invocation by Dr. Dave Snyder. To start the morning off, the Blue Anchor Belles will perform a patriotic medley from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM, setting a commemorative tone for the event. Hunter Scott will then share his journey and the impact of his research.
A historical overview of the USS Indianapolis will be presented by historian Hill Goodspeed, and a special Legacy Wall Plaque will be unveiled during the event. This poignant event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Hannah Pennell athpennell@navalaviationmuseum.org.