Corpus Christi and the USS Lexington

[JJEH]

A while back I inquired about Galveston, TX and things to do there. Well, we had a little change of plans and we traveled to Corpus Christi / Mustang Island instead.

I idea of being on/in the Gulf and see the Lexington was just the winning combo.

If you are close and have at least 2 hours to spend I can highly recommend for you to go see the Lexington. It's just awesome.

I've never been on a boat that size and there's so much to see and learn. The people who run it are doing a great job and we'll become members there for sure.

One visit is not enough to see and truly appreciate all exhibits, we'll be back for sure. This ship is so huge, if you would blindfold me and drop me off somewhere I'd probably starve to death before I find my way back to the top

It's amazing to see what this vessel has been through, the planes, engines, the technology back then. It's very tight inside, so all crew members have to work together like a well oiled machine, otherwise there will only be chaos. My hat's off to all them sailors for sure!

Some steps are very steep, you've got to be in shape if you have to run them up and down a few times per shift. Crazy.

I know I do appreciate all them young brave men (and -women), that did answer the call for duty. I can only imagine what they went through, what they felt like not knowing when or if they come home (that counts for all servicemen and -women during WWII).

We'll be back for sure, it's too good not to go.

USS Lexington Museum | CV-16 | Corpus Christi, TX

USS Lexington (CV-16) - Wikipedia

 

[fordson]

In the 1970s, "The Lady Lex" was the Navy's training carrier. Did my carrier quals on her - CVT-16 - in 1971. First eight arrestments. Haven't seen her since that time. Thanks for the photos and the memories.

 

[JJEH]

In the 1970s, "The Lady Lex" was the Navy's training carrier. Did my carrier quals on her - CVT-16 - in 1971. First eight arrestments. Haven't seen her since that time. Thanks for the photos and the memories.

You are welcome.

But now, can you explain this for non Navy people?

 

[Bro. Dave]

My guess is that an "arrestment" is a carrier landing where the aircraft is arrested by the tailhook catching on the cable.

 

[fordson]

You are welcome.

But now, can you explain this for non Navy people?

Naval aviators (read pilots) undergoing flight training must qualify in the fine art and science of making arrested landing (using an arresting hook) aboard a moving aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington was assigned to the Naval Training Command for that purpose. We trained, first, by making arrested landings on a runway marked off as a carrier. After we gained proficiency with non-moving land based arrested landing, we then went to "hit the boat" - arrested landing on a real moving carrier. We needed six launch and recovery (catapult and arrested landings) to qualify.
Sorry for the long winded reply.

 

[JJEH]

Naval aviators (read pilots) undergoing flight training must qualify in the fine art and science of making arrested landing (using an arresting hook) aboard a moving aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington was assigned to the Naval Training Command for that purpose. We trained, first, by making arrested landings on a runway marked off as a carrier. After we gained proficiency with non-moving land based arrested landing, we then went to "hit the boat" - arrested landing on a real moving carrier. We needed six launch and recovery (catapult and arrested landings) to qualify.
Sorry for the long winded reply.

Don't be sorry, I love it. Could read those stories all day long...

I know we all make fun of other branches... but in the end we all love each other. It's no different here.

I've seen the cables on the Lexington... I think it's three total?! There's really not much space to make that landing. That deceleration must be enormous and get's me dizzy by just thinking about it

 

[NYlakesider]

Naval aviators (read pilots) undergoing flight training must qualify in the fine art and science of making arrested landing (using an arresting hook) aboard a moving aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington was assigned to the Naval Training Command for that purpose. We trained, first, by making arrested landings on a runway marked off as a carrier. After we gained proficiency with non-moving land based arrested landing, we then went to "hit the boat" - arrested landing on a real moving carrier. We needed six launch and recovery (catapult and arrested landings) to qualify.
Sorry for the long winded reply.

Arrested landings( AKA a controlled crash)----

 

[AJ]

Prior to doing a Med Cruise on USS Saratoga our squadron had to "carrier qual" on the USS Lexington. Made several deployments to Pensacola for the evolution. Sara was still in the yards undergoing SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) at the time. Working the flight deck on an operating carrier is an eye-opening experience!

 

[fordson]

Prior to doing a Med Cruise on USS Saratoga our squadron had to "carrier qual" on the USS Lexington. Made several deployments to Pensacola for the evolution. Sara was still in the yards undergoing SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) at the time. Working the flight deck on an operating carrier is an eye-opening experience!

The choreography of the flight deck personnel performing a very necessary but dangerous job is awe inspiring. I crossed the flight deck to and from my aircraft and stayed out of their way.
My first operational cruise was the Med aboard the Forrestal - our first "Super Carrier ".

 

[AJ]

The choreography of the flight deck personnel performing a very necessary but dangerous job is awe inspiring. I crossed the flight deck to and from my aircraft and stayed out of their way.
My first operational cruise was the Med aboard the Forrestal - our first "Super Carrier ".

USS Saratoga (CV-60) and the USS Forrestal (CV-59) are both Forrestal Class Carriers. Folks that aren't working on the "Roof" (read flight deck) tend to watch from "Vulture's Row" up on the Island. There are about 100 ways to get hurt on the Roof and once you think you have them covered, another pops up. I was the Maintenance Control Chief & the Flight Deck Coordinator for my squadron. The Navy wasn't quite sure what to do with us Jarheads.

 

[fordson]

My first operational squadron was with HMA-269*. I was a "Swabbie" in a Marine unit. They didn't know what to do with me either.


*= Helicopter Marine Attack (now called HMLA, which means Helicopter Marine Light Attack).

 

[AJ]

My first operational squadron was with HMA-269. I was a "Swabbie" in a Marine unit. They didn't know what to do with me either.

CVW-17 of the USS Saratoga had two Jarhead squadrons aboard. VMA(AW)-533 (my squadron) and a VMAQ-2 Detachment. They were awash in Jarheads.

Were you a Flight Surgeon? We always had one assigned to us.

 

[fordson]

A-6E, The Main Battery. And EA-6B. What great aircraft! In my civilian job, I worked with those aircraft and the A-4 "Scooter" family of aircraft. Anything powered by the PW J-52 engine series.

 

[jeffsmith]

My Grandfather helped build the Lexington
@ Fore River Shipyard Quincy, MA

 

[fordson]

My Grandfather helped build the Lexington
@ Fore River Shipyard Quincy, MA

A Great ship. She was used for all the carrier scenes in the 1976 version of MIDWAY.

 

[fordson]

CVW-17 of the USS Saratoga had two Jarhead squadrons aboard. VMA(AW)-533 (my squadron) and a VMAQ-2 Detachment. They were awash in Jarheads.

Were you a Flight Surgeon? We always had one assigned to us.

No, not a FS, just a slope headed helo driver (and engineer)

 

[AJ]

A-6E, The Main Battery. And EA-6B. What great aircraft! In my civilian job, I worked with those aircraft and the A-4 "Scooter" family of aircraft. Anything powered by the PW J-52 engine series.

They were great aircraft. Not given the press that the fighters were, but still great birds.

I remember sending the newbies down to the Hydraulics Shop for transmission fluid for the J52's. When they got there the guys in Hydraulics would ask them P6 or P8 and back they would come to us for the answer. I guess we were mean...........

 

[Harrison]

I spent six years on the Lex. as a volunteer and tour guide. Great memories. The crew and volunteers were all fabulous.

 

[Greyman50]

Many, many years ago worked with a WWII Navy Veteran that was on the First Lexington, got 30 days survivor leave then sent to Gambiler Bay, sunk again, another 30 days leave. He was a Real Machinist, taught me how to sharpen drill bits which I still do for some friends, kinda fun.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I have toured the Lexington a couple of times. Much respect for you guys who've landed on carrier decks. That would scare the you know what out of me.