USS Lexington Museum

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!!

08/26/2026

SOLD OUT! ✈️✨

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets to our Top Gun Movie Night aboard the historic Blue Ghost!

We can’t wait to celebrate 40 years of Top Gun with you on the Flight Deck for a night full of ’80s fun, sunset views, and high-flying action. See you aboard! 🎬⚓

08/23/2026

Think bigger than the theater. 👀

Celebrate 40 years of Top Gun aboard the iconic USS Lexington Museum! Join us on the Flight Deck for an ’80s-themed movie night surrounded by real naval history, including one of the real F-14 Tomcats featured in the original film.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. Enjoy sunset views, a pre-show dance party, costume contest, themed activities, and a screening of the 1986 original Top Gun.

Come dressed in your best ’80s, pilot, or Navy-inspired look!
Food, refreshments, beer, wine, and merchandise will be available for purchase. Chairs will be available, or guests may bring bag chairs and blankets.

Please note: Only the Flight Deck will be open during the event. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Go ahead and put it on the calendar. 😉 Tickets 🎟️ available in the comments below!

08/20/2026

We looked pretty good in the ’80s. 😎

Now we’re bringing the decade back for one night! Join us for Top Gun Movie Night aboard the USS Lexington Museum on Saturday, August 29, and get ready for an ’80s-inspired night on the Flight Deck. ✈️

Get your tickets today in the comments below!

08/19/2026

Happy National Aviation Day! ✈️

At the USS Lexington Museum, we’re proud to preserve the history of naval aviation while helping inspire future generations to look to the skies.

That work happens every day aboard the LEX. Our crew and volunteers continue restoring the aircraft on our decks and caring for the ship so guests can experience this history up close. 🔧

National Aviation Day is a chance to celebrate how far aviation has come and encourage the next generation to see where it can take them.

Happy National Aviation Day from the Blue Ghost!

08/18/2026

Wow, that was close. ✈️

Tomorrow, August 19, is National Aviation Day — and there’s no better place to celebrate a little aviation history than aboard the USS Lexington Museum.

And we’re keeping the celebration going with 40 years of Top Gun! Join us on the Flight Deck for an ’80s-themed movie night surrounded by real naval history, including one of the real F-14 Tomcats featured in the original film.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. Enjoy sunset views, a pre-show dance party, costume contest, themed activities, and a screening of the 1986 original Top Gun.

Come dressed in your best ’80s, pilot, or Navy-inspired look!

Food, refreshments, beer, wine, and merchandise will be available for purchase. Chairs will be available, or guests may bring bag chairs and blankets.

Please note: Only the Flight Deck will be open during the event. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Go ahead and put it on the calendar. Tickets available in the comments below!

08/16/2026

This Day in History
August 15, 1955

On this date, USS Lexington (CVA-16) was recommissioned at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, returning the ship to active service more than eight years after she had been decommissioned.

USS Lexington was decommissioned on April 23, 1947, following her World War II service and entered the Reserve Fleet at Bremerton. While out of commission, she was redesignated from CV-16 to CVA-16, or Attack Aircraft Carrier, on October 1, 1952. On September 1, 1953, Lexington entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for an extensive modernization that prepared the World War II-era carrier for a new generation of naval aviation.

During the modernization, Lexington received the SCB-27C and SCB-125 conversions in a single refit. The changes included a new angled flight deck and other major improvements that allowed the carrier to operate modern jet aircraft.

On August 15, 1955, USS Lexington was officially recommissioned with Capt. A. S. Heyward Jr. in command. The occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter for the ship, transforming the World War II carrier for service in the jet age.

Lexington’s recommissioning on August 15, 1955, returned the ship to the active fleet and began the next era of her long career in the U.S. Navy.