USS Lexington Museum

09/26/2026

This Day in History
September 26, 1942

On this day in 1942, USS Lexington (CV-16) slid down the shipways and entered the water for the first time at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. Once she was afloat, harbor tugs began moving her to a fitting-out berth.

The carrier had originally been named USS Cabot. After USS Lexington (CV-2) was lost at the Battle of the Coral Sea earlier that year, she was renamed Lexington, carrying the name of the lost carrier forward.

USS Lexington (CV-16) would go on to serve in World War II and train generations of naval aviators. Today, her story continues aboard the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas.

09/25/2026

This Day in History
September 25, 1981

On this day in 1981, Lieutenant (junior grade) Patricia A. Denkler made naval aviation history aboard USS Lexington (AVT-16).

Flying a TA-4J Skyhawk, Denkler completed her carrier qualification on Lexington’s flight deck, becoming the first woman aviator in the U.S. Navy to carrier qualify in a jet aircraft.

At the time, USS Lexington (AVT-16) served as the Navy’s training carrier, helping prepare generations of naval aviators for the challenge of carrier operations. These photos capture Denkler’s historic qualification aboard the ship.

Today, her achievement remains an important part of the history preserved aboard the USS Lexington Museum and the story of women in naval aviation.

09/24/2026

One name, two aircraft carriers. The USS Lexington (CV-16) we know today was still being built when USS Lexington (CV-2) was lost at the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. Originally named USS Cabot, the new carrier was renamed after shipyard workers rallied to honor the ship they had lost. USS Lexington (CV-16) went on to make history of her own, and you can make your own history flying from the USS Lexington (CV-2) in World of Warships, as a Tier VIII carrier built in historical detail. Her own Essex class is in the game as well, as the Tier X carrier Essex. This month the game turns 11, and we're celebrating with our partners there.

To say thank you, World of Warships is offering a gift to our visitors and followers: redeem code CHEERSTO11 at https://wo..ws/4iNHUR5 for an in-game gift; new players also receive a starter pack.

Launch from USS Lexington (CV-2) deck in the game, then come aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) in Corpus Christi, Texas!

09/23/2026

What do you need to spend the night on an aircraft carrier? Let’s pack for Member Overnight! ⚓🌙

🛏️ Your bunk setup: A sleeping bag or sheets, plus a pillow
👕 A change of clothes: Don’t forget your pajamas!
👟 Ship-ready shoes: Closed-toe shoes for exploring
🪥 Morning essentials: Toiletries and a towel
💧 Your trusty water bottle: Bring one you can refill
🔦 A flashlight: Bring yours, or use the one we provide
🎒 A bag for your gear: Bring what you need to carry it all aboard
⭐ The most important thing: A USS Lexington Museum membership!

Member Overnight
📅 Saturday, October 10–Sunday, October 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m.
📍 USS Lexington Museum

Get ready for after-hours exploration, movies, s’mores on the Flight Deck, ghost stories, and a night aboard the LEX! Membership is required and must be purchased separately from your event ticket. Find details and booking information at usslexington.com.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from everyone aboard the USS Lexington Museum! Today, we recognize the hard work and dedication that keep our communities moving forward. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday! 🇺🇸⚓

09/06/2026

Extra! Extra! Read all about it—the USS Lexington Museum is open this Labor Day weekend!

We are open today, Sunday, September 6th and tomorrow, Monday, September 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Gather your crew and explore the ship’s five self-guided tour routes aboard the Blue Ghost! 🇺🇸⚓

09/04/2026

The USS Lexington Museum will resume regular business hours, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., beginning Sunday, September 6th.

The museum will remain open from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. through Saturday, September 5th. Plan your visit and come aboard! ⚓

09/03/2026

In commemoration of Patriot Day, the USS Lexington Museum is offering free General Admission to first responders Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13. Accompanying family members receive $3 off General Admission.

A valid first responder ID, such as a name badge, pay stub, or work ID, must be presented upon arrival.

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For complete details, visit our Facebook event page.

08/27/2026

This Day in History

Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, aircraft from USS Lexington (CV-16) began flying historic “mercy flights” over Honshū. USS Lexington pilots searched for Allied prisoner-of-war camps, many marked with large “PW” letters so they could be identified from the air.

After locating several camps, USS Lexington aircraft returned with emergency supplies for prisoners who had endured years of starvation, illness, forced labor, and inadequate medical care. One early flight carried approximately 1,300 pounds of food, clothing, medical supplies, and other necessities.

The aircraft also dropped a letter from USS Lexington’s commanding officer, Captain Thomas H. Robbins Jr., praising the prisoners’ courage and assuring them that help was coming. Prisoners later painted messages across camp roofs thanking USS Lexington for the supplies and sharing what they still needed while awaiting evacuation.

08/26/2026

Come see us at the Hands-on Changemakers Service Fair! ⚓

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie , will be there to share the many volunteer opportunities available aboard the USS Lexington Museum!

We're getting excited!!
No registration necessary and all are welcome to the Hands-on Changemakers Service Fair!

Come join in on the following activities:

• Make survivor kits with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Corpus Christi, Texas
•Create Día de los Mu***os paper flowers with K Space Contemporary
• Build mustard seed sachets for Agape Ranch's Legacy Gala
• Create Diez y Seis de Septiembre centerpieces with Garcia Arts & Education Center
• Don't forget to bring a nonperishable item for the Coastal Bend Food Bank(please see list of acceptable items on event page)
• Explore animal pelts and take home a seashell bag with the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
• Design kindness rocks with Voluntexas!

See you soon!!