April 3, 2020
USS LEXINGTON
We like history and historical museums. One of the museums we saw was the USS Lexington in the harbor at Corpus Christi, Texas. Corpus Christi was a good halfway stopping point between south Texas and Columbus, so we took a day to visit it.
Ray’s dad was in the Navy for 20 years, and ended his service on the USS Hornet, an aircraft carrier like this one. The USS Hornet is docked in Alameda, California just west of Oakland. Touring this ship makes one appreciate the work and dedication of men who serve in our Navy.
The ship is so long, it took two photos to get the entire length.
There are 5 self-guided tours covering 100,000 square feet and 11 decks. After watching a short film about the ship in the Mega theater in 3D, we toured the flight deck. Here we could see where the high-speed catapult launched the aircraft. We learned the stories of men who flew the vintage aircraft displayed on the deck, and saw the massive guns used in battle.
This gives you an idea of how high the deck is off the water.
The Foc’sle or Forecatle tour is the forward upper deck area that extends to the bow. What you see here is where the ship is guided.
The interior of the ship is a maze of “tunnels”.
Being a mom of 5, I was fascinated by this!
The maps to guide the ship across the vast oceans.
This is the hangar deck. This is where the planes were stored. Today it houses many exhibits along with a gift shop and snack bar.
I had to include these photos of the bridge being built and the harbor.
Yes, the water is green.
We enjoyed our day touring the ship. It gave us lots of exercise climbing ladders and walking the hallways. One caution for anyone who parks in the parking lot across from the museum; be sure you have a locking gas cap for your vehicle. We had nearly a full tank of diesel fuel stolen while we were in the museum.
Categories: RV Travel, Texas Travel Tags: Corpus Christi, Full Time RVing, Navy history, Navy Museums, Places to see in Corpus Christi, RVing, South Texas History, South Texas places to see, South Texas sites to see, Texas, Texas History, Texas Museums, Texas places to see, USS Lexington