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USS Lexington Museum

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USS Lexington Museum, Corpus Christi

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USS LEXINGTON Museum On The Bay

All of this describes the USS Lexington, a World War II era Essex class aircraft carrier in Corpus Christi. Step aboard the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay and you’ll be inside of an American legend.

Every hallway you walk down, set of stairs you climb, and deck you visit reveals the lives and stories of heroism of those who served on the Blue Ghost.

USS LEXINGTON Museum on the Bay Tour Routes

There are five areas totaling more than 100,000 square feet across 11 decks aboard the USS Lexington to explore, and you can do so on either a self-guided or a guided tour. While guides can be arranged in advance for a small fee, volunteers in yellow shirts--many of whom once served aboard the Lexington --can answer any questions you may have. Regular tour areas include:

Flight Deck

The USS Lexington’s landing strip showcases 20 aircraft, including classic warbirds such as the SBD-3 Dauntless and modern fighters like the Blue Angels FA-18 Hornet. You’ll also get an up-close look at the ship’s anti-aircraft guns and the impressive five-inch guns inside of 60-ton turrets that could fire a 55-pound projectile more than nine miles.

Foc’sle

Short for “forecastle” (or upper deck), the foc’sle features anchor machinery, officers’ quarters, and the multimedia Pearl Harbor exhibit. This state-of-the-art display includes a film about the infamous attack brought to life through 8,000-watt speakers and transducers that rumble along with the film’s corresponding explosions. There is also a display detailing the making of the 2001 film Pearl Harbor , which was filmed in part on the USS Lexington.

Gallery Deck

Step into the Gallery Deck to see where the aircraft carrier’s commanders made strategic decisions. Highlights include the captain’s cabin, the Combat Information Center, the library, ready rooms, and the CVE/CVL Exhibit.

Lower Decks

The lower decks is where many sailors slept, ate, and lived. Stroll through the chapel, crew’s galley, dental clinic, engine room, and sick bay, and a POW Exhibit. The lower decks also contain two special displays: the POW Exhibit and the Scale Model Gallery, the largest publicly exhibited model collection in Texas. More than 440 scale model masterpieces depicting ships and aircraft from all over the world, from 1940 to the present, are part of the collection that took more than 120 volunteers thousands of hours of work to complete. 

Hangar Deck

Get it on some of the action on the Hangar Deck. Soar through the skies like an F-18 fighter pilot in the Flight Simulator and then watch riveting films related to naval aviation in the MEGA Theater.

In addition to the public tours, the museum offers special behind-the-scenes looks at the workings of the USS Lexington through the Hard Hat Tour, taking you through more than 15 areas of the ship including the bomb elevator, scullery, secondary conn, and ordnance shop. The Flight Operations Tour reveals the ins and outs of being a naval aviator, from briefing procedures through launch, flight, and recovery. The museum is available for overnight youth camp-outs and private functions, as well. 

Don’t pass up a chance to witness a marvel of engineering and site of countless stories of heroism and bravery at the USS LEXINGTON Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi!

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USS Lexington

Price & Hours

• Facilities 3.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

Following its commission in 1943, the USS Lexington was a combat aircraft carrier with the 5th Fleet at Pearl Harbor during World War II. Now, the retired ship rests in Corpus Christi Bay and serves as a museum where visitors can learn about the ship as well as naval aviation and battle.

Exploring the ship is split into five different self-guided tour routes. Routes explore different areas of the ship including the flight deck, the hangar deck, crew quarters and the forecastle (the area where anchoring took place). Guided tours are also available and have different themes. Visitors can choose from paranormal tours, an experience that takes patrons to parts of the ship not available on the self-guided tours and a tour that explores the launch experience of a pilot on an aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington also hosts its own escape room and offers virtual battle stations and a flight simulator, among other attractions.

Past travelers overwhelmingly agreed that the USS Lexington is a must-do in Corpus Christi. Recent visitors valued the wealth of information the exhibits offer as well as the variety of attractions.

The ship welcomes patrons from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily year-round. Tickets cost $16.95 for adults, $11.95 for children ages 4 through 12 and $14.95 for seniors and military service members. Children 3 and younger can visit for free. Guided tours and the flight simulator cost an additional fee. The escape room requires reservations and has an extra fee, but the fee includes admission to the museum. The USS Lexington is docked in the bay, just north of the Texas State Aquarium and about a mile south of North Beach . For more information, visit the ship's website .

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USS Lexington Museum

Corpus Christi

Moored just north of the ship channel and aquarium, this 900ft-long aircraft carrier dominates Corpus Christi bay. The Lexington served in the Pacific during WWII and was finally retired in 1991. High-tech exhibits enable visitors to relive wartime experiences on five self-guided tours. Each evening, in keeping with its WWII nickname ‘the Blue Ghost,’ the ship is eerily lit with blue lights. Admission includes a 3-D movie in the on-board Mega Theater, and there’s even an escape room (extra charge).

2914 N Shoreline Blvd. North Beach

Get In Touch

316-888-4873

https://www.usslexington.com

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USS Lexington Museum

Have you ever wanted to step aboard a piece of history? Look no further than the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. A legendary aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington proudly serves as a captivating museum, offering visitors a chance to explore its vast decks and discover the extensive history that surrounds it. From its role in World War II to its impressive collection of aircraft, this museum provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to witness firsthand the incredible legacy of the USS Lexington. So, whether you have a passion for history, aviation, or simply want to embark on an unforgettable adventure, a visit to the USS Lexington Museum is a must.

Table of Contents

1. Overview

Welcome to the USS Lexington Museum, a fascinating attraction in the Corpus Christi, Texas area! This comprehensive article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the history, location, hours, and admission fees of the USS Lexington Museum.

1.1 History of the USS Lexington

The USS Lexington is an iconic aircraft carrier that served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1991. Known as “The Blue Ghost,” the ship played a significant role in World War II and later served as a training vessel. It was decommissioned in 1991 and transformed into a museum.

1.2 Location and Hours

The USS Lexington Museum is located on the scenic waterfront of Corpus Christi, Texas. You can find it at 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. The museum is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The operational hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing you ample time to explore all that this historic ship has to offer.

1.3 Admission Fees

To experience the wonders aboard the USS Lexington Museum, there is an admission fee. Adult tickets cost $16.95, while senior citizens (65+) and military members pay $14.95. For children aged 4 to 12, the ticket price is $11.95. Children under the age of 4 get in for free. Special rates are available for school groups and other organized groups.

2. Exhibits and Collections

Once you step aboard the USS Lexington Museum, you will be greeted by an impressive array of exhibits and collections that offer a glimpse into naval history and aviation.

2.1 Flight Deck Exhibit

The Flight Deck Exhibit showcases a collection of authentic aircraft from various decades. You can marvel at the fighter planes and bombers that once soared through the skies during times of conflict. Get up close to these magnificent machines and learn about their historical significance.

2.2 Hangar Deck Exhibits

The Hangar Deck is where you will find a captivating display of naval artifacts and exhibits. From historical photographs to model ships, this area provides a comprehensive insight into the life and operations of the USS Lexington. Explore the different themed sections and expand your knowledge of naval history.

2.3 Virtual Battlestations

Immerse yourself in the adrenaline-pumping world of virtual combat at the Virtual Battlestations exhibit. Take on the role of a naval pilot as you hop into a virtual cockpit and engage in thrilling simulated battles. This interactive experience is sure to get your heart racing and give you a taste of what it was like to be a Navy pilot.

2.4 Pearl Harbor Exhibit

The Pearl Harbor Exhibit is a poignant display that honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through powerful exhibits and personal stories, you will gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history and pay tribute to the heroes who fought for their country.

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3. Guided Tours

Discover the USS Lexington Museum like never before with their informative and engaging guided tours.

3.1 General Tour Information

The USS Lexington Museum offers daily guided tours that provide valuable insights and information about the ship’s history and operations. Accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides, you will explore various areas of the ship, including the flight deck, hangar deck, and below decks. These tours are a fantastic way to enhance your visit and ensure that you don’t miss any key highlights.

3.2 Below Deck Tour

Get a glimpse into the inner workings of the USS Lexington with the Below Deck Tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you through areas of the ship that are not accessible during the regular self-guided tours. Explore the crew’s living quarters, mess halls, and medical facilities to gain a deeper understanding of life on board this majestic vessel.

3.3 Engine Room Tour

For those interested in the mechanical marvels that powered the USS Lexington, the Engine Room Tour is a must-see. Led by experienced guides, this tour takes you deep into the ship’s engine room, where you can see the impressive machinery that kept this aircraft carrier running. Learn about the inner workings of the ship and marvel at the engineering ingenuity that made such a massive operation possible.

4. Educational Programs

The USS Lexington Museum offers a range of educational programs that cater to school groups and other organized groups.

4.1 School and Group Programs

Educators can take advantage of the various school programs offered at the museum. These programs are designed to engage students and enhance their understanding of naval history and aviation. The museum also offers customized programs for scout groups, youth organizations, and other organized groups, providing an interactive and educational experience for all participants.

4.2 Overnight Encampment

Experience the USS Lexington like never before with the Overnight Encampment program. Spend the night on board the ship and engage in a variety of activities, including interactive exhibits, educational presentations, and team-building exercises. This unique program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the USS Lexington.

4.3 Outreach Programs

The USS Lexington Museum takes education beyond its walls with its Outreach Programs. Designed to reach students who are unable to visit the museum in person, these programs bring the wonders of naval history and aviation directly to schools and other institutions. With engaging presentations and interactive exhibits, the Outreach Programs offer a valuable learning experience for students of all ages.

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5. Aircraft Collection

The USS Lexington Museum boasts an impressive collection of aircraft that showcases the evolution of naval aviation.

5.1 Fighter Aircraft

Step into the world of fighter aircraft with the USS Lexington’s collection of historic planes. From the iconic F4U Corsair to the mighty F-14 Tomcat, these aircraft represent the pinnacle of aerial warfare. Marvel at their sleek designs and learn about the pilots who bravely flew them into battle.

5.2 Bomber Aircraft

The museum’s collection of bomber aircraft highlights the role of strategic bombing in naval warfare. Explore the mighty A-7 Corsair II and the reliable A-6 Intruder, both of which played significant roles in various military operations. Gain a deeper understanding of the tactics and strategies employed by these formidable aircraft.

5.3 Helicopters

No naval aviation collection would be complete without helicopters, and the USS Lexington Museum doesn’t disappoint. Discover the various helicopters that served aboard the ship, such as the SH-3 Sea King and the UH-1 Huey. These versatile helicopters played vital roles in search and rescue missions and the transportation of personnel and supplies.

6. Special Events and Activities

The USS Lexington Museum hosts a range of special events and activities throughout the year to enhance your visit.

6.1 Living History Days

Step back in time during Living History Days, where the museum comes alive with reenactors, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Experience what life was like aboard the USS Lexington during different historical periods, and engage with knowledgeable staff who bring the ship’s rich history to life.

6.2 Annual Veterans Day Celebration

Join the USS Lexington Museum in honoring and celebrating veterans during the Annual Veterans Day Celebration. This special event features ceremonies, military demonstrations, and presentations that pay tribute to those who have served their country. It’s a day to show gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have made significant sacrifices.

6.3 Flight Simulator Experience

Experience the thrill of flying without leaving the ground with the Flight Simulator Experience. Climb into the cockpit of a simulated fighter plane and take to the virtual skies. Feel the adrenaline rush as you engage in aerial combat and perform daring maneuvers. This exciting activity is suitable for all ages and is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

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7. Dining and Souvenirs

After exploring the wonders of the USS Lexington Museum, satisfy your hunger and take home a memento of your visit.

7.1 Mess Deck Café

The Mess Deck Café offers a selection of delicious meals and snacks to refuel after your adventures aboard the ship. Enjoy a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. The café also offers stunning views of the waterfront, allowing you to relax and recharge while taking in the scenic surroundings.

7.2 Ship’s Store

Don’t forget to visit the Ship’s Store before you leave. Here, you will find a wide range of souvenirs, including clothing, accessories, and naval-themed trinkets. Take home a piece of the USS Lexington Museum’s legacy and commemorate your visit with a unique memento.

8. Accessibility and Facilities

The USS Lexington Museum is committed to providing accessible facilities for all visitors and ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.

8.1 Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities

The museum offers wheelchair accessibility and accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Elevators and ramps provide easy access to different areas of the ship, ensuring that everyone can explore and enjoy the exhibits. Additionally, accessible restrooms are available throughout the museum.

8.2 Restrooms and Facilities

Clean and well-maintained restrooms are conveniently located throughout the USS Lexington Museum, ensuring that your visit is comfortable and enjoyable. The museum also offers ample parking space for visitors, making it easy to access this remarkable attraction.

With its rich history, captivating exhibits, and engaging educational programs, the USS Lexington Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in naval history and aviation. Whether you’re a history buff, a military enthusiast, or just looking for an exciting and educational experience, a visit to the USS Lexington Museum will not disappoint. So, plan your trip today and embark on a journey through time aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.

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See the Blue Ghost: USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier

• Post author: Jill
• Post published: August 4, 2020
• Post category: Gulf Coast / US History

Visit the Blue Ghost, a WWII Aircraft Carrier docked in Corpus Christi, TX.

Why You Should Visit the Lexington?

Sometimes kids hear the word “museum,” and you can watch their eyes glaze over in predetermined boredom. Well, this is not that museum. This field trip is immediately exciting as you walk across the gangway to board a retired aircraft carrier from WWII. The Lexington is a completely immersive experience bringing 1940s wartime to life.

Fun Fact: The Lexington served in the Pacific War and was mistakenly reported sunk four times by Japanese forces earning it the name “Blue Ghost.”

Great Field Trip for These Topics:

WWII ( More WWII Field Trips in Texas )

Armed Forces/Military

Where to Begin Your Field Trip

There is a dedicated parking lot for Lexington.

2914 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402 << Exact address for your GPS

(You will purchase a parking token with your museum admission to exit the lot.)

Head up the gangway to the admission counter where you will get a guide of everything there is to see. It doesn’t matter where you begin, but we recommend the 3D film if your timing works out well. Shows run every hour on the hour.

What Can You Expect to See & Do While on board the Lexington?

The Museum is divided into 5 sections or “tours” which are self-guided routes you follow at your own pace. Each tour’s entrance is located on the hangar deck and is very well marked with a large banner flag. You’ll wind your way through different parts of the ship, but all tours begin and end on the hangar deck level where you purchased your tickets.

Tour 1 is the Flight Deck. Explore the massive (more than 2 acres) floating airfield. The 3D film does a great job of explaining how jets were able to take off and land from the scaled-down runway. Several aircraft are on display for great photo-ops. Then, climb to the top of the crow’s nest for a bird’s eye view. This is probably a good time to press play on your Top Gun soundtrack.

Tour 2 is the Foc’sle (or forecastle.) For those of us not fluent in nautical terms, this is the upper forward part of the ship. On this tour, you will view the anchoring machinery and an exhibit on the Lexington’s role in the film Pearl Harbor, as well as officer’s quarters.

Tour 3 is the Gallery deck. Here you will see what the captain’s life looked like onboard. Then, take some pictures in one of the ready rooms once used by WWII pilots before flying missions.

Tour 4 is the Lower Decks. This is where the crew slept and had meals, or visited the doctor. See the sickbay, dental clinic, galley, and chapel. This tour also has a well-done exhibit on the Texas Navy. Then peruse a scale model gallery of ships and aircraft from around the world.

Tour 5 is the Hangar Deck. You enter and exit the ship on this level, and it is where every tour begins and ends. Many WWII aircraft and vehicles are displayed here. Kids will love climbing into the Blue Angels cockpit or posing in the brig for their maritime jail mug shots. The 3D theatre, flight simulator, Mess Deck Café, and gift shop are all located on the hangar deck.

USS Lexington

2914 N. Shoreline Blvd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78402

1-800-LADY LEX

Daily: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Adults (ages 13 and up) $16.95 Seniors & Military $14.95 Children (ages 4-12) $11.95

Tips for Visitors

Use your mobile phone to enhance self-guided tours. Along the tour routes, you’ll find signs with QR codes. Scan with your phone and enjoy videos and text about the exhibits.

There is a cafe (The Mess Deck) open daily from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. See the menu .

The Lexington also has guided tours you can book in advance; flight operations, hard hat, and paranormal. Click here for more information.

The Lex also has a one of a kind Escape Room experience. There are currently 2 themes to choose from, nuclear catastrophe or ghosts!

Educational programming and even overnight camping are available for groups. More information can be found here .

Other Field Trips in Corpus Christi, TX: Texas State Aquarium Padre Island National Seashore South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History Texas Sealife Center The Art Museum of South Texas

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The Lexington was turned over to the City of Corpus Christi by the US Navy on November 26, 1991. The ship was donated as a museum on June 15, 1992, and it now operates as the “USS Lexington Museum on the Bay” at 2914 North Shoreline Boulevard in Corpus Christi, Texas. In the forward aircraft elevator space, a MEGA theater (like IMAX) was added. In 2003, Lexington was designated a National Historic Landmark. The ship is meticulously maintained, and every few years, previously restricted areas of the ship are made available to the public. The catapult room is one of the most recent examples of this.

The ship’s World War II-era gun battery is also being restored in part with guns salvaged from scrapped ships. Five of these are particularly noteworthy “The heavy cruiser Des Moines’ /38 DP gun turrets were saved from scrapping. They’ve been installed in the general areas where similar mounts once existed as part of the ship’s original World War II fit. Following the overhaul of the coast guard cutter Dauntless, her 3 “Onboard the Lexington, a /50cal gun was displayed.

The USS Lexington is a must-explore museum when you visit Port Aransas for the first time . This is precisely one of the best attractions of the place that you must tick in your travel bucket list.

A Brief History

USS LEXINGTON CV-16-Aircraft Carrier was given her commission in 1943 and went on to break more records than any other Essex Class carrier in the annals of naval aviation history. When it was finally decommissioned in 1991, the ship held the title of the oldest working carrier in the United States Navy. The USS CABOT was the previous name of the Essex-class carrier that is now known as the LEXINGTON. During World War II, the final construction was being finished at the Fore River Shipyard in Massachusetts when word came in that the USS Lexington, CV-2, the original carrier, had been sunk in the Coral Sea. The new airline has adopted the name LEXINGTON for its brand.

LEXINGTON joined Pearl Harbor’s Fifth Fleet after training and a shakedown cruise. On April 26, 1944, Central Pacific Force became the Fifth Fleet. The carrier participated in nearly every major Pacific Theater operation and spent 21 months in combat. Her planes destroyed 372 airborne and 475 ground-based enemies. She destroyed or damaged 300,000 tons of enemy cargo. Ship’s guns downed 15 planes and helped down 5 more.

Four times, according to Japanese reports, LEXINGTON sank. Tokyo Rose has nicknamed her “The Blue Ghost” because she always returned to fight to include names such as honors ship, crew, and air groups. LEXINGTON was decommissioned after WWII (1947-1955) where she rejoined the Seventh Fleet in San Diego. LEXINGTON remained offshore during Formosa, Laos, and Cuba tensions.

In 1962, she sailed to Pensacola, Florida, and began training as CVT-16, Navy Training Carrier. Corpus Christi is honored to host this national treasure. Additionally, the North Beach of this amazing city is one of the top beaches that you can dive into.

USS Lexington General Statistic

The crew is 1,550 men and women; during WWII, there were approximately 3,000 members in total.  The length at the water line is 880 feet and the length of the flight deck is 910 feet. The height (Water Line to Flight Deck) is 52 feet, and the maximum width is 196 feet. The draft is 30 feet measured from the keel to the water line. Displacement is 42,000 tons, with a speed of 30+ Knots 4,131 miles of range at the highest possible speed.

The Museum allows Self and Self-Guided Tours

Try out one of their guided group tours, such as the Flight Operations, Hard Hat, or Paranormal Tours, if you’re looking to enhance your experience while you’re on board. These unique behind-the-scenes tours are led by LEX Volunteers and can be scheduled upon request; however, to coordinate the tour and collect a payment, they require a minimum of two to three business days.

They have set up five different routes for those who wish to go on their own exploration; these routes cover a total area of 100,000 square feet and eleven decks. Explore at your own pace and discover the many stories behind the LEX. You can go in any order you like, but you absolutely must see everything. Each tour is one of a kind and includes interactive exhibits that will bring your adventure to an entirely new level.

If you have any questions along the way, keep an eye out for some volunteers who are wearing yellow shirts where many of whom served on the USS Lexington. They are extremely knowledgeable about the ship and will be happy to help you.

Some of The Interesting Attraction 

1. pearl harbor: course of valor.

On Tour Route 2 in the ship’s foc’sle is a cutting-edge multi-media exhibit that features a film montage that retells the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This exhibit completely immerses you in this historic and devasting event. A graphic map of Pearl Harbor at a scale of 1/2400 is used to set the scene, and there are models of the ships docked in position, just as they were on the day of that catastrophic attack.

Realistic battle animations, a sound system with 8,000 watts, and transducers that shake the walkway with each rumbling explosion bring the action to life in front of your very eyes as the events take place. The famous address that President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave to Congress on “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” can be heard coming from a radio model from 1941 that is playing in the background. To the side, you will see the Japanese plan of attack.

2. Joe Jessel 3D Mega Theater

The Joe Jessel 3D MEGA Theater is an immersive experience that will take you on incredible journeys thanks to its screens that are three stories high and its thunderous digital sound. You will get as close as you possibly can to the real thing, complete with sight, sound, and an educational look into the actual action of aviation, flight, and history, thanks to the stadium seating that accommodates 193 people.

It features a brand-new system which is the world’s most powerful and brilliant cinema projector. This flagship laser projector offers brightness that is comparable to that of the brightest xenon projector. The brightness levels produce an experience that is unmatched in 3D, displaying movies in the exact way the director of the film envisioned them.

If you have already paid to enter the ship, you do not need to pay again to enter the MEGA Theater. The theater is accessible for guests using wheelchairs and provides closed captioning using CaptiView for guests who have hearing impairments.

3. The Scale Model

The gallery of scale model works of art will astonish individuals who have a passion for warplanes, ships, and the stories that are represented by them. This is the largest model collection that has ever been shown to the public in Texas. It took five years to put together, and there are more than 440 pieces on display. This must-see exhibit was created by over 120 skilled volunteers who worked together to create it over the course of many thousands of hours. The exhibition features work by artists from 16 states in the United States and 5 countries from around the world. The USS Lexington is pleased to offer the visitors to this proud ship the opportunity to view this historic gallery.

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Aboard the Blue Ghost – Touring the USS Lexington

First stop – The Flight Deck

As an Air Force retiree, touring the historic USS Lexington museum while on vacation in Rockport, Texas, was near the top of Andy’s list. Otherwise known as The Blue Ghost, the USS Lexington was an aircraft carrier during WWII. The decommissioned Essex-class ship is currently docked in Corpus Christi Bay.

After purchasing tickets, we began our self-tour. Using the provided map and following the well-marked route, we started our journey on the flight deck. We enjoyed the view and checked out the various planes on the deck. It was amazing to see the aircraft close up.

After being decommissioned at the end of WWII, CV 16 was modernized and reclassified as an attack carrier, then an antisubmarine carrier, and finally, ending her career as a training carrier.

Our last stop on Tour One was the Navigation Bridge. It was fun to look out from the top and see the bay. I captured Andy pondering which way to go.

Going Below – The Little City Inside

After finishing the bridge, we started the next two tours, the Lower Deck and the Gallery Deck.

Walking up and down narrow staircases, along tight passageways, and through many historical exhibits about various battles, commanders, and the daily activities of the crew, we had fun learning about life on the aircraft carrier.

We saw where scenes from the movie ‘Pearl Harbor’ were filmed. The pictures below depicted the sleeping berths on the Japanese ship.

We even peeked in on a private dinner in the Captain’s cabin!

We completed all five of the tours, which, according to the website, covered 100,000 square feet and eleven decks. Our last stop was the gift shop, where I purchased a reusable shopping bag with a picture of the iconic Rosie the Riveter on it.

We were on the USS Lexington for about three and a half hours. They were locking the doors as we left. For more information regarding this historic aircraft carrier, click HERE .

Relaxing and Enjoying the View

Leaving the USS Lexington, we drove a short way to a local restaurant along the beach. We were hungry and thirsty. It was a great ending to a fun day!

For more of our South Texas adventure, check out Aransas National Wildlife Refuge . Warning – there will be alligators!

If you have questions about our website or adventures, click Contact Us.

If you’ve been reading our blog, you know take pictures of Zoltar whenever we see him. The version on the USS Lexington was a bit different.

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Scale model collection, five years in the making and over 440 pieces on display, see the largest publicly exhibited model collection in texas..

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© 2024 USS LEXINGTON. 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78402 | 1-800-LADY LEX | Privacy Policy

• LEX on Twitter
• LEX on Facebook
• LEX on YouTube
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• Hours & Admission
• Directions & Map
• Mess Deck Café
• Escape Rooms
• Joe Jessel 3D MEGA Theater
• Pearl Harbor Exhibit
• Scale Models
• Self Guided Tours
• Guided Tours
• Overnight Adventure
• Former Crew
• Special Event Rentals
• Volunteering

Corpus Christi's "Blue Ghost" - Part 2: Dedication

Once the USS Lexington was made ready for visitors in October 1992, the crowds began to show up. Not just to see the ship, but to board and tour the ship. Admission was $7.00 for adults, but many (myself included), bought $35.00 memberships good for unlimited visits for a year.

On October 28, a barge arrived at the Lexington site loaded with 10 aircraft which had made landings on the Lexington throughout its history. They had come from the Naval Museum in Pensacola and were placed on the flight deck of the Lexington.

The formal dedication of the USS Lexington Museum took place on November 14, 1992. The Veterans Band played patriotic songs as visitors came aboard. On hand for the ceremony were a number of honored guests who had served aboard the ship at some point during its long history.

Over 1,700 former crew members who had served on the ship were present, including 200 who had served during World War II. They wore distinctive blue caps and were recognized by Joe Jessel, President of the Lady Lex Museum on the Bay Association.

A special guest speaker at the ceremony was retired Navy Cmdr. Alex Vraciu, an “ace” pilot aboard the Lexington during World War II. By mid June of 1944, he had already shot down 12 enemy aircraft. But on June 19, 1944 he shot down six Japanese aircraft in the span of eight minutes during the battle known as the “ Marianas Turkey Shoot”.

Also on hand was 79 year old Hugh Winters, commander of Air Group 19 aboard the Lex during WWII. The squadron was credited with sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers. Winters was himself a fighter “ace” with eight confirmed downings of Japanese aircraft.

Introduced at the dedication ceremony were two special guests who had made history aboard the Lexington. Eighty-eight year old Bennett Wright, who had joined the Navy in 1925, was the Air Officer aboard the Lexington when it was commissioned. It was his job to train the young, inexperienced pilots in the art of carrier landings. And it was Bennett Wright who had the distinction of landing the first airplane on the Lexington on April 23, 1943. With Mr. Wright at the 1992 dedication was 29 year old Kathleen Owens, a naval pilot who had the distinction of making the very last landing on the USS Lexington on March 8, 1991. Her’s was the 493,248th arrested landing on the carrier, a U.S. Navy record that will likely never be broken.

Over 3,800 people attended the Dedication and watched as the Navy turned over command of the historic ship to the City of Corpus Christi. Since the 1992 dedication, the USS Lexington Museum has become one of the top tourist attractions in Texas. Numerous exhibits and attractions have been added to the museum in the past 32 years, enhancing its legacy as one of the city’s most historic and popular destinations.

That story coming in Part 3.

Robert Parks is a special contributor to KRIS 6 News. Parks was a history teacher at Carroll High School for 19 years and is now retired. His knowledge of Corpus Christi history makes him a unique expert in the subject.

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