Locating the USS Lexington: Exploring the Fates of Two Notable Ships

The USS Lexington, a name shared by seven ships in United States Naval history, is a storied legacy of the American Navy. Two of its most famous iterations include the aircraft carrier that perished during the Battle of the Coral Sea and the recent museum ship anchored in Corpus Christi, Texas. This article delves into the history of these two significant vessels, their fates, and how they have been remembered.

Historical Context and Significance

The term USS prefix denotes ships within the United States Navy. The legend of the USS Lexington spans centuries, with the name being conferred upon five ships in US Naval history. Each of these ships has its own remarkable story, contributing significantly to American naval history.

The most famous among them is the USS Lexington CV-2, an aircraft carrier that graced the Coral Sea during World War II. This ship gained notoriety during the Battle of the Coral Sea, a significant naval engagement fought in May 1942. Unfortunately, CV-2 was lost in this battle and now lies at the bottom of the ocean, more than 500 miles off the eastern coast of Australia, nearly 10,000 feet below the surface.

The Battle of Coral Sea

During the Battle of the Coral Sea, the USS Lexington CV-2 stood as a formidable opponent against Japanese forces. This engagement, the first carrier battle in history, marked a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater. The carrier’s fall in the Coral Sea was a tremendous loss, but it also underscored the importance of naval aviation in the context of World War II. Though the ship has been lost, its impact on military history cannot be overstated.

The Legacy of USS Lexington CV-16

The second most famous USS Lexington is the Essex-class aircraft carrier CV-16, named in honor of CV-2. This carrier served through the remainder of World War II and many years afterward, making it a key contributor to the US Navy's post-war efforts. Following its decommissioning in 1991, CV-16 found a new calling as a floating museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, it stands as a testament to American engineering and naval history, attracting visitors from around the world.

Discovery of the USS Lexington CV-2

The impeccable journey of the USS Lexington CV-2 was recently brought to light when RV Petrel, the deep-sea research vessel, discovered its wreckage on March 4, 2018. The findings were made nearly 10,000 feet below the surface of the Coral Sea, adding a new chapter to the ship's already illustrious history. This discovery not only serves as a reminder of the ship's sacrifice but also allows modern exploration and research of this significant historical artifact.

Conclusion

The USS Lexington holds a unique place in the annals of American naval history, representing both valor and loss. Whether remembered through its tragic end in the Coral Sea or celebrated in its present as a museum in Corpus Christi, it remains a symbol of American naval prowess and dedication. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of our oceans, the legacy of these ships will undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform future generations.