About this Unit
USS Lexington (CV-16) is an Essex-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, commissioned in February 1943. Nicknamed "The Blue Ghost," she earned her legend during World War II, participating in major Pacific battles such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the attacks on the Japanese home islands. Lexington’s air groups contributed significantly to the destruction of enemy ships and aircraft, earning 11 battle stars for her wartime service. After World War II, she served as an attack carrier and later as a training carrier until her decommissioning in 1991; today, USS Lexington is preserved as a museum ship in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Historical Facts
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Namesake and Legacy: USS Lexington (CV-16) was named after the previous USS Lexington (CV-2), which was sunk during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. CV-16 was originally going to be named USS Cabot, but was renamed to honor her predecessor.
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Fast Construction: Construction of CV-16 was expedited after the loss of CV-2. She was built in just 14 months at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, and commissioned on February 17, 1943.
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"The Blue Ghost": The Japanese claimed the Lexington had been sunk several times during WWII, but she kept returning to battle. Tokyo Rose dubbed her "The Blue Ghost" due to her persistent presence and her unique blue-gray camouflage.
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Pacific War Service: USS Lexington participated in nearly every major operation in the Pacific theater, including the battles of the Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, and the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaigns.
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Surviving Kamikaze Attacks: She was hit by torpedoes and kamikaze attacks, particularly in November 1944, yet sustained only moderate damage and quickly returned to action.
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Record-Setting Air Group: During WWII, Lexington’s air group destroyed over 372 enemy aircraft in the air and 475 on the ground, a record among the fast carriers.
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Postwar Service: After WWII, Lexington was decommissioned but recommissioned in 1955 as an attack carrier (CVA) and later as an antisubmarine carrier (CVS) and training carrier (CVT).
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Longest Active Essex-Class Carrier: Lexington served for nearly 50 years, longer than any other Essex-class carrier, and was the last of her class in active service.
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Training Future Aviators: From 1962 to 1991, Lexington served as a training carrier for thousands of Navy and Marine Corps pilots, earning the nickname "The Lady Lex."
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Museum Ship: Today, USS Lexington is preserved as a museum ship in Corpus Christi, Texas, where visitors can explore the storied vessel and learn about naval aviation history.
