USS Museum on the Bay

Housed in the most decorated aircraft carrier in U.S. Naval history, this museum offers self-guided tours that give visitors a close look at the ship termed "The Blue Ghost" because of her non-camouflaged blue color and because of false World War II Japanese radio reports that the ship had been sunk four times, rising from the sea like a "Blue Ghost" after each reported sinking. (At night ghostly lights now help the ship live up to that moniker. The sight is the most striking feature of Corpus Christi's nightscape.)

Wear good walking shoes for your tour of the Lexington as you climb the stairs that sailors once raced up and down during wartime half a century ago. Visitors can follow routes to the flight deck and bridge, the captain's quarters, the sick bay and engine room, and the hangar deck as well as other areas. Step into the flight simulator if you'd like to feel what it's like to be on one of those bomber planes making an attack and then coming in for a landing on the carrier.

Staff members in yellow shirts are some of the many volunteers who work on this ship. "A lot of work is done in conjunction with volunteers who are former crew members," notes Kobi Vanginault, Communications Manager. "They are a vital asset." The ship is often visited by former crew members who come back to recall their days on the carrier during wartime or during its stint as a training vessel. "A lot of visitors who come the furthest distance were former crew members. It's a really moving experience to assist them because they have a lot of stories they haven't shared in a long time."

The Lexington is home to two bonus attractions: helicopter rides and a flight simulator. Both long and short helicopter rides off the flight deck provide a look at the city. Below, the first flight simulator in Texas gives visitors a chance to experience the sensation of a five-minute ride in a low flying jet.

Located adjacent to the Texas State Aquarium.

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