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170819-N-N0101-003

170819-N-N0101-003 VALLEJO, Calif. (July 12, 1945) The Portland-class heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35) in port at the Mare Island Navy Yard, in Northern California following its final overhaul. The ship was sunk on July 30, 1945 by an Imperial Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea following delivery of parts for Little Boy, the first atomic bomb used in combat, to the United States air base at Tinian. Of 1,196 crewmen aboard, approximately 300 went down with the ship. The remaining 900 faced exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks while floating with few lifeboats and almost no food or water. The Navy learned of the sinking when survivors were spotted four days later by the crew of a PV-1 Ventura on routine patrol. Only 317 survived. The release status of this photograph has changed to released since the stamp indicating that this photo is not released was applied. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)