What Aircraft Carrier is in Corpus Christi?
Introduction
Corpus Christi, a city located in the southernmost tip of Texas, has a rich naval history dating back to the early 20th century. Today, it is home to one of the United States Navy’s most important naval air stations, the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NAS Corpus Christi). At the heart of NAS Corpus Christi lies a unique and iconic aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington (CV-2). In this article, we will explore the USS Lexington and its significance to the city of Corpus Christi.
What Aircraft Carrier is in Corpus Christi?
The answer is straightforward – the USS Lexington (CV-2) is the aircraft carrier in Corpus Christi. Built in 1927, the USS Lexington was the third aircraft carrier commissioned by the United States Navy and the second longest-serving carrier in the history of the US Navy, with a remarkable 15 years of active service.
History of the USS Lexington
The Birth of the Lexington
The USS Lexington was designed to be a behemoth of the sea, with a length of 911 feet (277 meters) and a beam of 106 feet (32 meters). Built by the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia, the Lexington was launched on December 8, 1925, and commissioned on December 14, 1927. At the time of its commissioning, the Lexington was the largest warship in the world.
War Service
The USS Lexington played a significant role in World War II, earning the nickname "Lady Lex." In 1941, the Lexington participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where it helped to sink two Japanese aircraft carriers, Akagi and Soryu. Unfortunately, on May 8, 1942, the Lexington was heavily damaged by Japanese bombers during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and sank on May 14, 1942, at 17°30′S and 156°13′W, resulting in the loss of 224 lives.
Legacy
Although the USS Lexington no longer serves as an operational aircraft carrier, its legacy lives on in Corpus Christi. Today, the USS Lexington serves as a National Historic Landmark and is part of the Texarkana, Arkansas, National Historic Landmark District. The Lexington’s museum and memorial in Corpus Christi showcases the ship’s history, artifacts, and memorabilia.
Interesting Facts about the USS Lexington
- The USS Lexington was nicknamed "Lady Lex" due to its distinctive orange hull and flicker-wing design.
- The Lexington was designed to accommodate 87 aircraft, making it one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world at the time.
- The Lexington participated in the Invasion of Wake Island and the Battle of Guadalcanal before its fateful sinking in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Why is the USS Lexington Significant to Corpus Christi?
The USS Lexington’s significance to Corpus Christi lies in its role as a pioneer in naval aviation and its contributions to the United States Navy’s history. Since its arrival in 1947, the Lexington has become an integral part of Corpus Christi’s naval history, attracting tourists and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The USS Lexington (CV-2) is a true icon of naval aviation history, with a remarkable story that has captivated the hearts of many. Although it no longer serves as an operational aircraft carrier, its legacy lives on in Corpus Christi, a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served on its decks.
Table: USS Lexington (CV-2) Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Commissioned | December 14, 1927 |
| Length | 911 feet (277 meters) |
| Beam | 106 feet (32 meters) |
| Gross tonnage | 33,000 tons |
| Crew | 1,087 officers and enlisted |
| Aircraft capacity | 87 aircraft |
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the USS Lexington and its history, the following resources are available:
- USS Lexington Museum and Memorial: Located at 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78403.
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi: 3501 Little River Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78418.
- National Park Service: "USS Lexington (CV-2)" – a comprehensive historical document detailing the ship’s service and fate.
In conclusion, the USS Lexington (CV-2) is an extraordinary aircraft carrier that has played a significant role in naval aviation history. Its presence in Corpus Christi is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served on its decks and a reminder of the city’s rich naval heritage.
