Image: USS Lexington (CV-16) (27166009028)

Description: An Essex class Aircraft Carrier launched on 23rd September 1942 and commissioned in February 1943, which saw extensive service throughout the Pacific War. For much of her service she acted as the flagship for Admiral Marc Mitscher and led the Fast Carrier Task Force. She was the recipient of 11 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. The Japanese referred to Lexington as a "ghost" ship for her tendency to reappear after reportedly being sunk. This, combined with the ship's dark blue camouflage scheme, led to the crew nicknaming her "The Blue Ghost". Decommissioned in April 1947, she was modernised and then recommissioned in August 1955. She served in active and training roles until finally decommissioned in November 1991, after a service life longer than any other Essex class carrier. Donated for use as a museum ship, she has been on display in Corpus Christi since 1992 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2003. Corpus Christi Bay, Corpus Christi, Texas, United States. 22nd March 2017
Title: USS Lexington (CV-16) (27166009028)
Credit: USS Lexington (CV-16)
Author: Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Attribution Required?: Yes