Photo by H.S. Cooper © The USS LEXINGTON
If you are in Corpus Christi (Texas), plan on visiting the USS Lexington. The Lexington, an Essex Class aircraft carrier, was commissioned in 1943. She was nicknamed the “Blue Ghost” by Tokyo Rose because of several reports of being sunk. At the time of her decommission in 1991, she was the oldest working carrier in the U.S. Navy.
There are five self-guided tours, each beginning and ending on the hangar deck. From aircraft, exhibits, movie theater, cafe and gift shop, be prepared to spend a day on board. One of the hidden gems we found was a ball cap (of the Lexington) worn by Commander Jerry Linenger on board the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1994.
Admission is $14 for adults and $12 for seniors. Gated parking across the street is $3.50 and requires a token at exit (which you pay for at Admissions). There is no RV parking, so only take your tow vehicle. There is free shuttle service from the pier to the hangar deck. The tour consists of a great deal of walking and climbing – sturdy shoes are recommended. And don’t forget your camera!
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Skywarrior
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Commission Pennant for the LEX
Photo by H.S. Cooper © ARIZONA wreckage
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Hangar Deck
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © LEX and palms
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Radio Room – Amateur Radio ‘Ham’ equipment
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Captain’s Ladder
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © USS LEXINGTON
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Captain’s Table
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Tomcat
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Cap worn in space by CDR Linenger
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Flight Deck
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Machine Shop
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Above and Beyond
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © LEX Chapel
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Entrance to the LEX
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Radio Room
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Blue Angels display at Corpus Christi
2 comments
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May 1, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Wandering Dawgs
We had planned on touring the USS Lexington during our visit to Mustang Island State Park back in March but the rainy, overcast weather prevented that from happening. Thank you for this great post about it.
May 1, 2015 at 11:23 pm
H.S.
We were beginning to think we would be visiting it on a dreary day too! Fortunately we waited until the weather was sunny. It is definitely worth a return trip. 🙂