Future USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) Hosts All Shipmates Lunch, Tour

Photo By Capt. Patrick Evans | BURNS HARBOR, Ind. (Oct. 26, 2019) - Ninety-two year old Richard Thelen, a survivor of the World War II cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA 35), speaks with media during media day aboard the future littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS 17). Thelen is one of 316 Sailors and Marines who survived its sinking, spending four to five days in the water and suffering exposure, dehydration, drowning, and shark attacks. He was a guest aboard LCS 17, the fourth ship named for the capital city of Indiana, which will be commissioned during a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Michael Raney)  

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA, UNITED STATES

10.24.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Haggerty, NPASE East

BURNS HARBOR, Ind. – The crew of future USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) hosted an all-shipmates lunch and tour Oct. 24 welcoming veterans and their families from previous Indianapolis-namesake ships

Those in attendance included veterans who served aboard USS Indianapolis (CA 35), a Portland-class heavy cruiser, and USS Indianapolis (SSN 697), a Los Angeles-class submarine – among others.

The name “Indianapolis” now bonds the crews of four ships and while each generation of Sailors has an important message to pass down, they are all rooted in support and encouragement in continuing Navy tradition.

“Never give up,” said Dick Thelen, a retired seaman 2nd class, survivor of cruiser USS Indianapolis, “It’s a way of life working together,” when asked what being a shipmate means to him. “You got to work together with whatever your objective is.”

Veterans of the cruiser Indianapolis also met with Sailors of the submarine Indianapolis when it was commissioned Jan. 5, 1980.

“Shipmate is your brother. As you move along in the service you find your command, sea life, and you find your common interests,” said Archie Pflugh, a retired electronics technician petty officer 1st class and a veteran of the submarine Indianapolis. “You have to react. Don’t run away. You stay at your post and help. Serve your country. Be proud of the flag and serve the people.”

A combination of more than 150 veterans, family members and future USS Indianapolis Sailors participated in the event, sharing their stories while touring the ship and eating lunch together.

“It makes me feel very proud to be called an Indianapolis Sailor, especially with our Guam lasting legacy, traditions set forth prior serving under this hull’s name” said Lt. Julian Turner, a Sailor assigned to the future USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), “Shipmates means selflessness, putting others above yourself. I want to make sure I set a solid foundation to the crews behind me so that one day I may come back to another commissioning ceremony and continue the legacy of not giving up, the USS Indianapolis, (and) the legacy of the Navy.”

• Date Taken: 10.24.2019
• Date Posted: 10.25.2019 15:58
• Story ID: 349292
• Location: BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA, US