USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier in Corpus Christi, Texas

Launched in late 1942, the USS Lexington (CV-16) is a United States Navy Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific during World War II. The ship was renamed during construction to commemorate the USS Lexington (CV-2) which was lost during the Battle of the Corral Sea. This became the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the Lexington name.   

The USS Lexington was nicknamed "the Blue Ghost" by Tokyo Rose / Japanese propaganda during the War because it was (falsely) reported sunk four times, but kept returning to battle. The ship also had a unique blue / gray paint scheme which set it apart.

Following World War II, the USS Lexington saw renewed service as an attack carrier, and later a training carrier. She was eventually decommissioned in 1991 and went on to be docked in Corpus Christi, Texas as the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay where she remains today.

Explore additional images from the flight deck of the USS Lexington here.

Corpus Christi, Texas.

Flight Deck of the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier

A few visuals of the planes and vintage military equipment on display from the flight deck of the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier docked in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Lightship Chesapeake in Baltimore, Maryland

Launched in 1930, the United States Lightship Chesapeake is currently a museum ship on display in the inner harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. As a lightship the Chesapeake served as a mobile lighthouse in areas where a permanent structure couldn't be established. Advances in technology and changing demands have limited the number of remaining lightships in active service making ships like the Chesapeake historically significant, particularly in maritime communities.

Lightship Chesapeake served all over the east coast and helped protect the port of Boston during World War II. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1971 and was later designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Alongside other vessels, like the USS Constitution, the LV116 Chesapeake is now open to explore as part of the Historic Ships in Baltimore.