USS Lexington

USS Lexington (CV‑16) is an Essex-class aircraft carrier now preserved as a museum ship in Corpus Christi, Texas. The carrier served as an active U.S. Navy warship from World War II through later 20th-century conflicts before retirement.

The ship’s long flight deck (about 872 feet) hosts aircraft displays and provides panoramic views over the bay, with visitor access to the hangar deck where restored aircraft, artifacts and interpretive exhibits are displayed. Tours commonly include below-deck spaces such as crew quarters, engineering areas and bridge spaces to illustrate life and operations aboard a carrier.

Commissioned during World War II, USS Lexington served in Pacific operations and continued in various roles through the Cold War era, receiving modifications and refits over decades of service. After decommissioning it was converted to a museum ship and opened to the public in Corpus Christi as a preserved example of an Essex-class carrier.

The museum ship is moored on Corpus Christi Bay along the city waterfront in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is accessible from downtown and nearby visitor facilities.

• Class and length: The ship is an Essex-class aircraft carrier with a length of about 872 feet, typical for that class.
• Museum status: Now berthed as a museum in Corpus Christi, the vessel is presented with decks and interiors open for guided tours and exhibits about naval aviation history.

What to See #

• Flight Deck: The open flight deck stretches roughly 872 feet (about 266 metres) and displays aircraft and deck equipment used during the carrier's service life.
• Hangar Deck: The hangar deck contains restored aircraft, exhibits on carrier operations and access routes that show below-deck spaces and crew life aboard the ship.