What Ship Carried the Atomic Bomb?
The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 was a pivotal moment in history, marking the end of World War II and the beginning of the nuclear age. The ships that played a crucial role in the transportation of the atomic bombs are a lesser-known but equally important part of this story. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: what ship carried the atomic bomb?
The USS Indianapolis
The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a United States Navy cruiser that played a significant role in the transportation of the atomic bomb. On July 26, 1945, the USS Indianapolis left the Pacific island of Tinian, carrying the atomic bomb "Little Boy" to the Pacific Ocean. The ship was tasked with delivering the bomb to the USS USS Bayfield, a US Navy destroyer, which was stationed in the Pacific.
The Journey of the USS Indianapolis
The USS Indianapolis began its journey from Tinian, a small island in the Pacific Ocean, where the atomic bomb was being assembled at the US Army’s 509th Composite Group. The ship set sail on July 26, 1945, carrying the bomb, which was stored in a wooden box on the ship’s deck. The journey was supposed to take around 5 days, but the ship encountered rough seas and heavy winds, which slowed its progress.
The En Route Incident
On July 30, 1945, tragedy struck when the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine, the I-58, around 760 miles (1,220 km) northwest of the Philippines. The attack caught the ship off guard, and the crew was unable to respond effectively. The ship sank just 12 minutes after being hit, resulting in the loss of 879 lives.
The Aftermath
The sinking of the USS Indianapolis was a devastating blow to the US Navy and the crew’s families. The incident led to a significant overhaul of the Navy’s communication and surveillance systems, as well as the development of new protocols for transporting sensitive cargo.
Other Ships Involved
While the USS Indianapolis was the primary ship involved in the transportation of the atomic bomb, other ships played a crucial role in the delivery of the bomb to the target area. These included:
• USS USS Bayfield: As mentioned earlier, the USS Bayfield was a US Navy destroyer that was stationed in the Pacific and received the atomic bomb from the USS Indianapolis.
• USS USS Bismarck Sea: The USS Bismarck Sea was a US Navy escort carrier that provided air support to the USS Bayfield and helped to secure the area around the target.
• USS USS Ticonderoga: The USS Ticonderoga was a US Navy cruiser that provided gunfire support to the USS Bayfield and helped to target the Japanese city of Nagasaki.
Table: Ships Involved in the Atomic Bomb Mission
| Ship | Role | Date |
|---|---|---|
| USS Indianapolis | Carried atomic bomb | July 26, 1945 |
| USS Bayfield | Received atomic bomb | July 28, 1945 |
| USS Bismarck Sea | Provided air support | August 9, 1945 |
| USS Ticonderoga | Provided gunfire support | August 9, 1945 |
Conclusion
The USS Indianapolis was the ship that carried the atomic bomb, and its journey to the target area was marked by tragedy and heroism. The ship’s sinking resulted in the loss of 879 lives, but its bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The other ships involved in the mission played a crucial role in the delivery of the bomb, and their efforts helped to bring an end to World War II.
