Uss Lexington Cv 16 Aircraft Carrier

The USS Lexington CV-16 aircraft carrier, also known as "The Blue Ghost," is a legendary ship in the United States Navy's history. Commissioned in 1943, the Lexington played a significant role in World War II, serving as a formidable aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater. With its impressive combat record and enduring legacy, the USS Lexington CV-16 remains an iconic symbol of American naval power and a source of fascination for historians, enthusiasts, and the general public alike.

The USS Lexington CV-16 was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II. These ships were designed to be fast, maneuverable, and heavily armed, with a focus on airpower and the ability to launch large numbers of aircraft quickly. The Lexington was launched on September 23, 1942, and commissioned on February 17, 1943, at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. The ship's initial crew consisted of over 3,000 officers and enlisted personnel, who would go on to face some of the most intense combat of the war.

The USS Lexington CV-16 saw extensive action in the Pacific, participating in numerous battles and campaigns, including the Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Leyte Gulf. The ship's aircraft played a crucial role in these battles, providing air support for ground troops, attacking enemy ships and installations, and engaging in dogfights with Japanese planes. The Lexington's combat record is impressive, with the ship's aircraft scoring over 300 enemy planes destroyed and sinking or damaging numerous Japanese ships, including carriers, battleships, and cruisers.

Design and Construction

The USS Lexington CV-16 was built using the Essex-class design, which featured a length of 872 feet, a beam of 147 feet, and a draft of 28 feet. The ship displaced over 27,000 tons of water and had a top speed of over 33 knots. The Lexington's air group consisted of around 90 aircraft, including fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo planes. The ship's armament included 12 5-inch guns, 32 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and 46 20mm anti-aircraft guns.

The USS Lexington CV-16 underwent several modifications and upgrades during its service life, including the addition of new radar systems, improved anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and enhanced air defense systems. These upgrades helped the ship to remain effective in its role as a frontline aircraft carrier, even as newer, more advanced ships began to enter service.

Combat History

The USS Lexington CV-16 saw its first combat action in November 1943, when the ship's aircraft participated in the Tarawa campaign. Over the next several months, the Lexington played a key role in a series of battles and campaigns, including the Kwajalein, Eniwetok, and Leyte Gulf. The ship's aircraft engaged in numerous dogfights with Japanese planes, sank or damaged several enemy ships, and provided air support for ground troops.

One of the most notable actions involving the USS Lexington CV-16 was the Battle of the Philippine Sea, also known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot." During this battle, which took place in June 1944, the Lexington's aircraft helped to destroy over 600 Japanese planes, while the ship itself came under attack by Japanese bombers and torpedo planes. The Lexington emerged from the battle unscathed, but several other American ships were damaged or sunk.

Post-War Service

After the end of World War II, the USS Lexington CV-16 underwent a series of modifications and upgrades, including the addition of new radar systems and improved anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The ship served as a training carrier, providing a platform for naval aviators to hone their skills and for new aircraft to be tested and evaluated.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the USS Lexington CV-16 played a role in the Vietnam War, serving as a training carrier and providing air support for ground troops. The ship also participated in several international exercises and deployments, including a trip to the Indian Ocean in 1974.

Museum Ship

The USS Lexington CV-16 was decommissioned in 1991, after nearly 50 years of service. The ship was donated to the USS Lexington Museum, a non-profit organization based in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was converted into a museum ship.

Today, the USS Lexington CV-16 is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas, with over 700,000 visitors per year. The ship has been preserved in its original condition, with many of its original features and equipment still intact. Visitors can explore the ship's flight deck, hangar bay, and engine rooms, and view a collection of historic aircraft and artifacts.

Legacy

The USS Lexington CV-16 has a lasting legacy as one of the most iconic and historic aircraft carriers in the United States Navy. The ship's combat record and enduring service make it a source of pride for the Navy and the nation. The Lexington's preservation as a museum ship ensures that its history and significance will be remembered for generations to come.

The USS Lexington CV-16 has also been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, including the 2001 film "Pearl Harbor," which featured the ship prominently. The Lexington has also been immortalized in several scale models and replicas, including a 1/350 scale model kit produced by the Revell company.

USS Lexington CV-16 Image Gallery

What was the USS Lexington CV-16's main role during World War II?

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The USS Lexington CV-16 served as a frontline aircraft carrier, providing air support for ground troops and engaging in combat with enemy planes and ships.

How many aircraft did the USS Lexington CV-16 carry?

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The USS Lexington CV-16 carried around 90 aircraft, including fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo planes.

What is the USS Lexington CV-16's current status?

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The USS Lexington CV-16 is now a museum ship, preserved in its original condition and open to the public for tours and exhibits.

In conclusion, the USS Lexington CV-16 is a historic and iconic aircraft carrier that played a significant role in World War II and beyond. Its legacy continues to inspire and educate people around the world, and its preservation as a museum ship ensures that its history and significance will be remembered for generations to come. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments about the USS Lexington CV-16, and to visit the ship in person to experience its rich history and heritage.