From Devastation to Exoneration: Remembering the USS Indianapolis
Special Guest Speaker: Commander Hunter Scott
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

 

Pensacola, Fla. – February 19th, 2025 – 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, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 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 10:00 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.

Media Note: For more information, please visit our National Naval Aviation Museum Facebook Page or email Hannah Pennell at hpennell@navalaviationmuseum.org.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum features nearly 350,000 square feet of displays and is one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Located aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, the facility boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Be sure to visit Hangar Bay One, displaying aircraft of the post-WWII era including presidential helicopter, Marine One. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling HD flight simulators. Don’t miss the drama and power of the new laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. The Cubi Bar Café offers a unique dining experience, and the Flight Deck Store is the perfect place to find a souvenir that captures the spirit of Naval Aviation. Museum admission is FREE.