LEARN ABOUT A LITTLE HISTORY AT THE USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY

Are you a World War II history buff? If so, take a tour of the USS Lexington aircraft carrier. I got my first glimpse of this famous World War II aircraft carrier when I was about eleven years old. At that time the Lex was docked in Ingleside. This was before they transferred the carrier to its final resting place along Corpus Christi Beach.

So, how did I have the opportunity to view the Lex shortly after it arrived? Well, my grandpa and I were given clearance to enter the base in Ingleside. The curators or whoever were interested in having plexi-glass encase some of the attractions and to close off certain areas of this carrier, but at the same time allow people to see through.

At the time my uncle owned a plastics company in Corpus. My grandparents ran the business, so my grandpa was asked to go aboard the USS Lexington while it was still docked in Ingleside. I of course wanted to tag along. I, however, was not allowed to actually go aboard. I still thought it was pretty cool to see an aircraft carrier up close for the first time.

Ok, so enough about that. Why should you go on a USS Lexington tour? For one, the Lex served longer and broke more records than any other aircraft carrier in U.S. naval history. Second, the Lex has on board some aircraft from the World War II era, in addition to modern day aircraft. It is a terrific learning experience about the men and women who fought in the defense of freedom during World War II.

You will have the opportunity to explore the carrier through five, self-guided tours covering eleven out of the sixteen decks. If you have any questions or need help, you can always ask one of the "yellow shirt" volunteers. Some of these volunteers actually served aboard the USS Lexington.

Tour one (1) covers the 910 foot flight deck. On this tour you can experience the island (the tall structure that houses the ships communication center), plus the navigation bridge, pilothouse, chart house, and the captain's sea cabin. Do not forget to check out the take-off and landing control stations, the anti-aircraft gun mounts, and of course the aircraft.

Tour two (2) will take you through the foc'sle, or forecastle. The foc'sle pertains to the front of the carrier. This tour begins on the starboard side of the hangar deck. On this tour you will see the massive chains that raised and lowered the anchors, plus various other exhibits. These include the officer's state room, the USS Lexington CV-2 exhibit, junior officer's quarters, Pearl Harbor Memorial exhibit, and a USS Arizona Memorial.

Tour three (3) covers the gallery deck. Just below the flight deck is the Combat Information Center (CIC). This is where information was collected and evaluated on the status of the USS Lexington and enemy forces. The CIC, Airops, carrier air traffic control center, ready rooms, admiral's quarters, library, the "Blue Ghost" exhibit, and the American POW's exhibit are just a few of the areas you have access to.

See how the crew members lived during long months at sea on tour four (4). This tour covers the lower decks of the carrier. Areas open to the public include the galley (cafeteria), engine room, barber shops, machine room, sick bay, and the post office. Some of the exhibits on this tour are the mine warfare exhibit, the POW exhibit, and the damage control exhibit. The live aboard and overnight camp facilities are also in this area.

Tour five (5) is where you will spend much of your time. This is the hangar deck tour. The deck is divided into three sections and it could house up to sixty aircraft during wartime. This tour will have you on the edge of your toes. There is a flight simulator, the Joe Jessel MEGA Theater, and World War II era aircraft.

Exhibits and attractions on this tour include the Peacoat Memorial exhibit, the visual communication exhibit, the ship's bell, engine exhibits, the fantail (rear), and the December 4, 1943 Torpedo Memorial exhibit. The mess deck and the gift shop are also located in the hangar deck.

You may tour this carrier in any order that you like. You can take a few hours, or all day touring the Lex. Please be extra careful while you are touring the carrier. It is a naval vessel and as such, has many obstructions and small doorways. I'm quite tall and if I can remember correctly, I accidentally bumped my head while I was going through one of the hatches.

Below is some general information about the USS Lexington Museum.

Admission:

Adults: $11.95

Seniors and retired and active military: $9.95

Children (4 to 12): $6.95

Children (3 and younger): FREE

Tour routes involve climbing stairways, however, the main, deck, pier, and the MEGA Theater are all wheelchair accessible. Admission is FREE.

Admission prices include a free large format movie on a three-story-tall screen in the MEGA Theater. Two movies show daily.

All day parking is available for $3.00.

Hours of Operation:

The USS Lexington is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Memorial Day through Labor Day and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Labor Day through Memorial Day

The Lex is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

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