The Museum of the Albemarle will recognize a member of the greatest generation on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the Gaither Auditorium. Hear the story of the survival of Felton J. (F.J.) Outland of Gates County in what is called “the greatest naval disaster at sea.”
Mr. Outland, a native of Gates County, graduated from Sunbury High School and enlisted with the United States Navy. He was sent to the Great Lakes for training and assigned to the USS Indianapolis, which was stationed in San Diego, California. Gunner’s Mate Outland was one of 1,196 men serving aboard the heavy cruiser when it was torpedoed shortly after midnight on July 30, 1945. The USS Indianapolis sank taking with her 297 men and leaving approximately 900 men floating in darkness and shark-infested waters. Of the 900 men only 317 survived.
This is a free family program. For more information concerning the event call (252) 335-1453.
The Museum of the Albemarle is a unit of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.