USS Lexington
Corpus Christi , TX
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Built in 1943 by Bethlehem Steel Company of Quincy, MA, the aircraft carrier, USS Lexington was decommissioned in 1991 after many years of valiant service. It is now a museum of Naval history.

Known as the "Blue Ghost", the Lex held 1500 people, had a 7-room dental clinic and a 40-bed hospital. During World War II, 95 percent of the crew were "civilians in uniform" with very little training. Even so, during 1943 to 1945, they shot down 387 Japanese planes in the air, destroyed another 635 planes on the ground, sunk 588,000 tons of naval vessels and 497,000 tons of merchant ships.

The Lexington was host to Air Group 16, commissioned November 28, 1942 in Rhode Island. One of the best air groups during the war, they destroyed over 450 aircraft and more than 375,000 tons of enemy ships. Sadly, they lost over 96 pilots and aircrewmen during combat and training. Even with tremendous victory, war always has a high cost.
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"This versatile compact bomber named the Avenger can slide its wings in for easy storage. Because of its minute size, it is hard to spot by enemies. It was a popular aircraft for carriers such as the USS Lexington.."--Harrison  
"George Bush was an airplane pilot during World War II. The plane was hit and sunk in the ocean. He had to wait for 4 hours until he was saved, but all the other people in the plane died."--Amanda  
"This 'flight ready room' is were the crew had breifing and debreifing for their missions. There are many charts and diagrams to explain these missions. This was the battle station for the pilots, where they would go when the ship was under attack. It was also used for a resting room, where the crew played cards or checkers."--Harrison  
"About 95% of the people aboard the Lexington didn't know anything about sailing when they first came aboard.. There were cooks, barbers, doctors, pilots and lots of others kinds of people too."--Amanda  
"I went into the flight simulator on the right. It was kind of like a 'Mission to Mars'. Did you know that the 'Blue Box' on the left was the first ever flight simulator? It was used by the crews of the Lex to get them ready for the aircraft."--Harrison  

The sleeping quarters were very compact, with just a tiny storage place for each person's stuff. Some crew members didn't even have their own bed--they used the same bunk as another person who worked a different shift.

 
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We found this poem painted on a wall in the USS Lexington.

The Maintenance Man

The pilot is everyone's hero. He is brave, he is bold, he is grand As he stands by his battered old airplane, His goggles and helmet in hand.

But, for each of these flying heroes There are thousands little renowned. The men who work on those airplanes, Keeping their feet on the ground.

We all know the name of Lindbergh As we've read of his flight into fame. But think, if you can, of his maintenance man; Do you remember his name?

And think of the wartime heroes And all the acclaim that they got, Can you tell me the names of their crew chiefs? A thousand to one you cannot.

Now, pilots are highly trained people, And wings are not easily won; But without the work of the maintenance man, A pilot would march with a gun.

So, when you see that powerful aircraft, As it makes its way through the air, Remember the man with the wrench in his hand. He's the one who put it up there. --Unknown

 

Trip Tips

It was very hot aboard the Lexington in July. Only a few small areas were air conditioned. But there is a lot to see and read: plan for a whole day event. There is a snack bar with less-than outstanding things to eat, but it will get you through the day.
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