CV-16 was initially named Cabot after a Continental Navy brig.

Renamed Lexington, 16 June 1942, to honor CV-2 (lost one month earlier at the Battle of the Coral Sea), thus becoming the fifth American warship to bear the name of the town in Massachusetts where Minutemen fought a detachment of British troops on 19 April 1775, opening the Revolutionary War with the "shot heard round the world." (The name Cabot was subsequently assigned to CVL-28.)

Previous American warships that had borne the name:

1. A Continenal Navy brigantine.
2. A sloop.
3. A side-wheel gunboat.
4. An aircraft carrier.

"The First Blow for Liberty." Battle of Lexington. Copy of print by Alexander Hay Ritchie after a drawing by Felix Octavius Carr Darley. Published in 1868. National Archives and Records Administration image 200(S)-JH-3.

Map NS020281a courtesy of the National Park Service.

USS Lexington (CV-16), World War II.

Overhead plan and starboard profile meticulously drawn by John Robert Barrett.

Lexington (CV-16) on the ways at the Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, MA, prior to her Christening and Launching on Saturday, 26 September 1942. The Blue Ghost, aka Lady Lex, was completed well ahead of schedule. The photo is in the collection of the National Archives.

Lexington was sponsored by Mrs. Theodore D. Robinson, wife of the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1924–1929). Mrs. Robinson had also sponsored the previous Lexington (CV-2) in 1925.

"Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, MA (26 September 1942) Mrs. Theodore D. Robinson (Left) of Mohawk, N.Y. was the sponsor of both the old aircraft carrier Lexington and the new one launched today, holds the traditional champagne bottle shortly before the Christening and Launching ceremony. Beside her is Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, skipper of the old Lexington which was lost in the Coral Sea Battle, on hand to watch its namesake go down the ways. (A.P. Wirephoto.)"

Press photo of Lexington's launch, Quincy, Mass., Saturday, 26 September 1942.

USS Lexington (CV-16) steams through floating ice in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, on 17 February 1943, the day she first went into commission. Note snow on her flight deck, and open catapult track on the starboard side, forward.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-35657.

(As above). USS Lexington (CV-16) steams through floating ice in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, on 17 February 1943, the day she first went into commission. Note snow on her flight deck, and open catapult track on the starboard side, forward.

While on sea trials off the Virginia Capes, Carrier Air Group 16 flew aboard, thus the first landing was made by CAG LCDR Leonard Bradshaw Southerland, in an F6F-3 Hellcat on 23 April 1943. This is an Official US Navy Photograph in the collection of the National Archives.

"On the morning of May 21, 1943, an F4F Wildcat missed the arrestor cable while trying to land on the large American carrier Lexington. The pilot attempted to veer off the deck but his engine stalled and his tail hook caught on a protrusion, snapping the aircraft against the port side catwalk. Before the plane was worked free—to dive 'nose down' into the water—lines were lowered to save the pilot."

Photo and text from The Naval Air War, 1939–1945, by Nathan Miller, p.163.

USS Lexington (CV-16), 28 May 1943, off the north-central east coast of the United States, during her shakedown cruise. (Colorized photo.)

Note how weathered her paint is after barely 3.5 months in commission.

National Archives and Records Administration ID 6922683. National Archives at Boston. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Pilot warms up SB2C Helldiver dive-bomber before launching from USS Lexington (CV-16) during military action, June 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # NAID: 176217087, Local ID: 80-GK-14815.

USS Lexington (CV-16) chronology, 18 September 1943–25 October 1944.

Preparations on board USS Lexington (CV-16) for attack on Tarawa Island, Gilbert Islands. "Acting as 'quarterbacks by direction' signalmen transmit communication vital to the success of the raid and safety of U.S. personnel." Released 18–19 September 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-43369.

Preparations on board USS Lexington (CV-16) for attack on Tarawa Island, Gilbert Islands. "1,000lb bombs slated for Japanese targets. Shown: Autographing the missiles for Tojo. Left to right: Chief Photographer E.S. Cromwell, USN, and Chief Photographer T.J. Carpenter, USN." The ship was not identified. Released 18–19 September 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-43372.

"VERY SPECIAL ORDER. Subject: The boarding of this vessel by the Royal Scribe, Davy Jones and the reception of His Imperial Majesty Neptunus Rex."

On Tuesday, 21 September 1943, at 1205, "In accordance with Naval Custom and Tradition, His Majesty, Neptunus Rex and his Royal Family came on board to hold court and accept various and sundry lowly pollywogs into his Kingdom."

Task Force which carried out a raid on Wake Island, 5 October 1943, as seen from USS Minneapolis (CA-36). USS Lexington (CV-16) is in the center. Photographed by CPU-7.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-55248.

USS Lexington (CV-16), part of the Task Force that raided Wake Island, 5 October 1943. Photographed by CPU-7.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-55346.

USS Lexington (CV-16), Gilbert Islands operation.

LCDR Allan F. Fleming, fighter director, in plot room of USS Lexington (CV-16) during a strike in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, November 1943.

Photo by CDR Edward Steichen, USNR.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-431069.

Ready room aboard USS Lexington (CV-16), November 1943. Photo by CDR Edward Steichen, USNR.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-471311.

An SBD-5 Dauntless of Bombing Squadron (VB) 16 flies an antisubmarine patrol low over the battleship USS Washington (BB-56) en route to the invasion of the Gilbert Islands[, 12 November 1943, Operation Galvanic]. The ship in the background is [probably] USS Lexington (CV-16), the aircraft's home carrier[, or maybe USS Yorktown (CV‑10)].

US Navy photo now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-204897). Text courtesy of the US Navy and Marine Corps Museum.

SBD Dauntlesses launching from USS Lexington (CV-16), 12 November 1943, Gilbert Islands operation.

Crewmen hastily drag plane with flat tire down the flight deck of USS Lexington (CV-16), to make way for next plane to land. Circa 21 November 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-471214.

An F6F-3 Hellcat of Fighting Squadron Sixteen (VF-16) gets the take-off flag from Lieutenant John M. Clark, during operations in the Gilberts and Marshalls, 23 November 1943. VF-16 pilots shot down seventeen Japanese aircraft on that day.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-44605).

Pilots pleased over their victory during the Marshall Islands attack aboard USS Lexington (CV-16), after shooting down 17 out of 20 Japanese planes heading for Tarawa. Photo dated 23 November 1943. Photographed by CDR Edward Steichen, USNR.

They are (l-r): ENS WM. J. Seyfferle, LT(JG) A. R. Fizalkowski, LT(JG) A. L. Frendberg, LCDR Paul D. Buie (Commanding Officer), ENS John W. Bartol, LT(JG) Dean D. Whitmore, LT(JG) Francis M. Fleming, LT(JG) WM. C. B. Birkholm, LT(JG) Sven Rolfsen, Jr. plus two others not named in group to right of LCDR Buie. Planes are F6F-3 Hellcats.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo (# 80-G-44598 and 80-G-470985).

Insignia of Fighter Squadron (VF) 16 aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) during the Marshall Islands attack, 23 November 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-44596 (TR 8027).

Men aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) listen to pilot over the loud speaker, during the Marshall Islands attack, telling of a 17 to 0 victory, 23 November 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-44599 (TR 8125).

Seventeen red-ball victory flags are stenciled on the plot door aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) for the 17 to 0 record achieved during the Marshall Islands attack, 23 November 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-44600 (TR 8197).

Aircraft return to USS Lexington (CV-16) during the Gilberts operation, November 1943. Crewmen in the foreground are sitting on the wing of an SBD-5 Dauntless, as an F6F-3 Hellcat lands and a TBF-1 Avenger taxiies to a parking place on the forward flight deck. Photographed by Commander Edward Steichen, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-K-15290.

Sample Missing In Action Airmailgram for "Ensign John Paul Jones," dated 27 November 1943.

Activities aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) during Marshall and Gilbert Islands operation, November–December 1943. Tail hook man starts towards SBD Dauntless as it comes to stop. Photo received April 1953.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # NAID: 176217163, Local ID: 80-GK-15295.

Fighting Squadron Sixteen (VF-16) Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Paul D. Buie, (center) briefs his pilots for an upcoming mission, during the Gilberts operation, November-December 1943. An F6F-3 Hellcat fighter is behind them. Note flight gear, markings on helmets and life vests. Pilot at left wears a .45 caliber pistol.

Photographed by Commander Edward Steichen, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-16053).

USS Lexington (CV-16) underway during the Gilberts operation, as seen from USS Monterey (CVL-26), November-December 1943. The original photograph is dated 5 December 1943, but must have been taken earlier than that.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-366924).

USS Lexington (CV-16) photographed from USS Cowpens (CVL-25) during raids in the Marshalls and Gilberts Islands, November–December 1943. She is painted in camouflage Measure 21.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-K-102.

A Grumman F6F Hellcat ready to launch from USS Lexington (CV-16), December 1943.

Aerial of Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii. Photograph released 12 December 1943.

USS Lexington (CV-16) is in drydock (upper left) for repairs to the damage suffered when attacked during a raid on Kwajalein, 4 December. She was hit by a torpedo to starboard, knocking out her steering gear. Lexington was stateside on 26 December.

The battleship at the Navy Yard pier is USS New Mexico (BB-40). The three battleships nested by Ford Island are: USS Tennessee (BB-43), outboard; USS Colorado (BB-45), in the middle; and USS Pennsylvania (BB-38), outboard. See our New Mexico page for further details.

Burial at sea, 1944.

Port bow view, underway at 25 knots, 14 February 1944. Lexington was torpedoed off Kwajalein, 4 December 1943, and reached Bremerton, Wash., 22 December for full repairs, completed in February 1944.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Bow view, starboard side, Puget Sound Navy Yard, 16 February 1944 (just a year after she was commissioned.) Lexington had been under repair for torpedo damage (see NS021618) and addition of more quad 40mm mounts to upgrade her AA capability.

PSNY photo # 577-44; BuShips photo # 60820.

Aft view, starboard side, as above.

PSNY photo # 579-44; BuShips photo # 60821.

USS Lexington after repair of torpedo damage. USN photo, probably taken on 20 February 1944.

USS Lexington (CV-16). Radar antenna from elevated position over starboard quarter. Puget Sound Navy Yard, 21 February 1944.

USS Lexington (CV-16). Radar antenna from elevated position over starboard bow. Puget Sound Navy Yard, 21 February 1944 (photo #646-44).

Same photo as above, but annotated. Radar antenna from elevated position over starboard quarter. Puget Sound Navy Yard, 21 February 1944 (photo #646-44).

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 64674.

USS Lexington (CV-16). Radar antenna on top of mainmast from starboard quarter. Puget Sound Navy Yard, 21 February 1944.

Underway on March 10, 1944.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Aboard USS Lexington (CV-16), the flight deck crew prepares the F6F-3 Hellcats of VF-16 and the SBD-5 Dauntlesses of VB-16 for launch, en route to New Guinea, early April 1944.

Close-up, in-flight view of a VB-16 Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless stenciled with the names of LT(JG) George T. Glacken (pilot) and his gunner Leo Boulanger, near New Guinea, early April 1944. LT Glacken was later awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on 20 June 1944.

USS Lexington (CV-16), beach party, 23 May 1944.

Battle of the Philippine Sea, June 1944. An F6F-3 Hellcat fighter lands aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) during the "Marianas Turkey Shoot" phase of the battle, 19 June 1944. Note manned 40mm guns in the foreground, and 20mm guns along the starboard side of the flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-236955).

Lieutenant Alexander Vraciu, USNR, Naval Aviator. Released 8 August 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-46283.

Flying F6F Hellcats in combat with VF-6 (USS Independence (CVL-22)), VF-16 "Pistol-Packin' Airdales" and VF-20 (USS Lexington (CV-16)), he scored 19 aerial victories and was one of the Navy's top six aces.

Lieutenant Alexander Vraciu, USNR, Naval Aviator, as he returns to his carrier following the air battle of Saipan. Released 8 August 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-46287.

TBM-1C Avengers, VT-19, CVG-19, 12 October 1944.

"A message from the first Commanding Officer of the first modern Hornet," VADM Marc A. Mitscher, Commander First Carrier Task Force, "to the Officers and Men of Task Force Thirty-Eight." Ulithi Atoll, 30 October 1944. Mitscher's flagship at the time was USS Lexington (CV-16).

USS Lexington (CV-16) under attack from a Japanese kamikaze. Shown here is one of four Mitsubishi A6M5 Navy Type 0 Fighter Model 52s from Mabalacat that dove on Lexington on 5 November 1944. Three were shot down, but the fourth broke through and crashed the after end of her island. In this photo [NS021664], the Zeke can be seen still upright, as viewed from a 20 mm gun tub mounted high up the onboard face of the carrier's funnel. To the left is the after Mk 37 director with its FD radar. In the next photo [NS021664a], the Zeke has flipped over. Many pilots did this because it allowed them to keep the target in sight as it got closer and the angle of the dive steepened. Photos from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) facility, College Park, MD.

Photos and text from Fire From The Sky, by Robert C. Stern.

A series of four photos taken on 6 November 1944, after a Kamikaze strike the prior day. Photos NS021664 and NS021664a show this aircraft.

Damage to the aft starboard section of the island.

Parts of the Zero's engine in the ship's interior. Note the pistons in view in the bottom center.

20mm group #7 wrecked the day after a Kamikaze strike on the island.

Wreckage of Secondary control, on the aft end of Lexington's island.

USS Brush (DD-745) coming alongside USS Lexington (CV-16), January 25, 1945. Photo 80-G-299871.

National Archives (College Park, Maryland) photo.

LT Elvin Lester Lindsay, VF-19. Navy Ace (8 victories). CO, VF-19 (November 1944–January 1945) and VBF-19 (January–August 1945). Retired as a Lieutenant Commander.

Awarded the Navy Cross, 2 Silver Stars and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant] Elvin Lester Lindsay, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron NINETEEN (VF-19) attached to the U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Skillfully directing his escort group on a strike against major enemy surface units, Lieutenant Commander Lindsay boldly dived through the intense barrage of hostile anti-aircraft fire and expertly maneuvered his plane to deliver a bombing and strafing attack upon a Japanese aircraft carrier, leaving her burning and in a sinking condition. During the ensuing action, he valiantly led his fighters through anti-aircraft fire to deliver a strafing raid upon a light cruiser. By his brilliant airmanship, indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Commander Lindsay contributed materially to the infliction of overwhelming damage upon the Japanese Fleet during this Battle. Commander Lindsay's outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

LT(JG) Robert A. Farnsworth?, VF-19. Navy Ace (5 victories). Retired as a Commander, in 1963.

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.

LT(JG) Lachlan Douglas McLaughlin, VF-19, receiving his Distinguished Flying Cross (citation) and Air Medal, probably in Hawaii.

Commodore Arleigh A. Burke, USN, Chief of Staff to Commander, Task Force 58, is highlined from USS Callaghan (DD-792) to USS Lexington (CV-16), while off Iwo Jima on 18 February 1945. Photographed from on board Lexington, with Callaghan's starboard bow in the background. The latter's camouflage appears to be Measure 32 (or, likely, Ms. 31), Design 7D.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-307034.

F6F-5 Hellcat (VF-9?/VBF-9?) burning aboard USS Lexington (CV-16) after it crashed through the barrier and ruptured the center-line fuel tank, 23 February 1945.

Pilot, ENS Ardon R. Ives, survived the crash but was killed in a dogfight on 22 May 1945, aged 23. He is buried in his hometown, Rockford, Kent County, Michigan.

Photographed by PHOM Codyer.

All photos now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

NS021694: # 80-G-268186.

NS021694a: # 80-G-268187.

NS021694b: # 80-G-268188.

NS021694c: # 80-G-268189.

NS021694d: # 80-G-268190. Note Ives exiting cockpit.

NS021694e: # 80-G-268191. Note crewman helping pilot to safety off the wing.

NS021694f: # 80-G-268192. Note Ives being escorted away.

Dead ahead view, running trials after overhaul. May 14, 1945, Puget Sound, Wash.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Bow view, port side. Puget Sound Navy Yard, 21 May 1945, after overhaul.

PSNY photo #2426-45; BuShips photo # 83701.

USS Lexington (CV-16), May 1945, after overhaul. Location unknow—possibly Bremerton, WA, but might be the San Francisco Bay area or Pearl Harbor.

In 1945 there was still interest in a lightweight weapon able to quickly and independently engage incoming targets, such as kamikazes, with very high firepower. One alternative was the Army Mark 31 .50-cal quadruple mount, tested aboard the fast carriers Wasp and Lexington (six mounts each) and the escort carrier Cape Gloucester (four mounts).

This view of the forward, starboard mount on Lexington was taken sometime between May 1945 and August 1945; the report this picture was enclosed in was dated August and stated they were mounted by May 13, 1945.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo, Record Group 181.

Read the complete "Report on Service Experience with Six Caliber .50 Gun Mounts, Mark 31 mod. 0", at the Researcher @ Large website.

Aerial view of USS Lexington (CV-16) underway, circa 1945.

Aerial views of USS Lexington (CV-16) underway after her May 1945 overhaul. Official US Navy Photographs in the collections of the National Archives.

Some sources give an exact date for these photos: 16 May 1945. On this date Lexington was engaged in a high-speed trial run near Blake Island, Puget Sound, and carried no aircraft.

(Thanks to Massimiliano Stola, who noted the date originally posted was in error.)

SB2C-4E Helldiver of Bombing Squadron (VB) 94 pictured on the deck of USS Lexington (CV-16) after a landing accident, June–July 1945.

A U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver of Bombing Squadron (VB) 94 in flight over the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-16), August 1945.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.411.

USS Lexington (CV-16) track, 18 September 1943–15 August 1945.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, January 11, 1954. Island and flight deck starboard side - looking forward. (Photo # NY8-10012).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, January 11, 1954. Erection of new blister framing. Port side looking aft. (Photo # NY8-10020).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, April 13, 1954. No. 1 and 2 sections of new bow looking aft. (Photo # NY8-11021).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, April 13, 1954. Installation of bulkheads second to main deck in way of new blister, port side looking aft. (Photo # NY8-11022).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, April 13, 1954. Flight deck looking forward showing removal of structure for No. 3 deck edge elevator. (Photo # NY8-11023).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, May 8, 1954. Removal of bent extensions outboard girder and flight deck overhang in way of canted deck. Port side looking forward. (Photo # NY8-11194).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 16, 1954. Looking at flight deck plating removal in way of new landing area (25# STS plating), and new hangar deck extension over the blister. (Photo # NY8-11381).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 16, 1954. Starboard side of flight deck looking forward showing the installation of bents and girders in the after centerline elevator area and also the new smoke pipe cowl. (Photo # NY8-11382).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 16, 1954. Installation of two of the three flight deck sections removed earlier in the conversion. Starboard side, forward. (Photo # NY8-11383).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, September 15, 1954. Flight deck with all canted deck bents installed. (Photo # NY8-11653).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, September 22, 1954. Bow section on flat car prior to installation. (Photo # NY8-11733).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, September 22, 1954. New bow section in place. (Photo # NY8-11734).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, September 22, 1954. Installation of new bow section. (Photo # NY8-11735).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Color postcard of Lexington at the time she was completing her SCB-27C and -125 modernizations. Shangri-La (CVA-38) and Midway (CVA-41) appear just behind her. This photo would have been taken in the summer of 1955, given the presence of Midway and the clear skies in Bremerton. The other Essex-class carrier, in the background, is probably Yorktown (CVA-10), which finished her own SCB-125 conversion in October 1955.

Ektachrome photo by Roger G. Ewbank, published by J. Boyd Ellis, Arlington, Washington.

USS Lexington (CVA-16) steams out of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, circa summer 1955, headed for her initial sea trials after SCB-27C & -125 conversions. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), in the background, is well into her SCB-110 modernization. USS Midway (CVA-41), in the middle distance, is in the very early stages of (or being prepared for) her own SCB-110.

This photo appeared on "Naval Aviation News," November 1955 issue, and on "Our Navy" magazine, 15 February 1957.

"(SE1) BREMERTON, Wash., Aug. 16[, 1955]—THE LEX' REBORN—The modernized aircraft carrier Lexington nestled to her pier after recommissioning ceremonies yesterday as guests and crewmen stream aboard. The Lex', carrying a name as old as the U.S. Navy, underwent 22 months of modernization, including installation of a new canted deck and a steam catapult for launching her 100 planes. She was decommissioned in 1946. Capt. A.S. Heyward will command the carrier. (AP Wirephoto) (wts22145mbr) 1955"

USS Lexington (CVA-16) steaming in Puget Sound, Washington, 6 September 1955 (colorized photo).

USS Jupiter (AVS-8) conducting an underway replenishment while alongside USS Lexington (CVA-16), circa 1956. The aircraft mix, with F7U Cutlasses, AJ-2 Savages from Composite Squadron (VC) Six "Fleurs" (tail code "NF"), and a few "U" tail codes visible, verify that this is Lexington with Air Task Group (ATG) One embarked, during (or close to) their 28 May–17 December 1956, WestPac cruise.

US Navy photo.

USS Lexington (CVA-16), with embarked Air Task Group (ATG) 1, and USS Rupertus (DD-851) in the background. Photo is dated 26 April 1956, in the San Diego operating area, off the coast of California.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo, # CVA 16 744(L)-4-56 TH.

USS Lexington (CVA-16) at Yokosuka, Japan, during her 28 May–17 December 1956 WestPac cruise. Air Task Group (ATG) 1 was aboard. Parked aft on the flight deck are AD-6 Skyraiders from Attack Squadron (VA) 196 "Main Battery."

A U.S. Navy North American AJ-2 Savage from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 6 "Fleurs" Det.G refuels a McDonnell F3H-2 Demon from Fighter Squadron (VF) 124 "Moonshiners" above the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CVA-16), circa 1957. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 12 aboard Lexington for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 19 April to 17 October 1957.

U.S. Navy photo from the Lexington 1957 Cruise Book.

USS Rainier (AE-5) during underway replenishment with USS Lexington (CVA-16) in August 1957.

USS Lexington (CVA-16) arriving in San Francisco Bay, California, circa early 1958, after a four and one-half month overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. The "Lady Lex" has the letters "USO" spelled out on her flight deck by members of her crew, in observance of the United Services Organization fundraising drive then being conducted. Note automobiles parked aft, and a wingless UF Albatross behind the island. The original print has the date 8 May 1958 stamped on its reverse.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97496).

USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway in WestPac waters, with Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21), August 16, 1958. Just eight days later, on August 24, Communist Chinese artillery began shelling the Nationalist Chinese islands of Quemoy and Matsu, prompting Blue Ghost's deployment to the Taiwan Straits at various times during the next four months, along with other units of the Seventh Fleet.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# CVA-16-2720-(L)-8-58).

Another photo of USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway with Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21), probably taken during the same deployment (July 14–December 19, 1958; see NS021638).

USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway with Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21), circa 1958.

The attack aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway circa 1959, location unknown. Note hurricane bow, aircraft parked forward, and angled flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy photo. From Jane's Fighting Ships, 1961–1962 edition.

USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway with Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21).

Bob Brodkin writes: "This photo was taken in 1959 the week that Hawaii became the 50th state in the union. [Hawaii officially became the 50th State on 21 August 1959.] I was attached to Admiral's Staff COMCARDIV 5 aboard the Lex at that time, and I was among the crew on deck at the time of this photo."

"SAN FRANCISCO from the BAY—The natural deep water port of San Francisco could anchor all the 'Flat Tops' and all the navies of the world with room to spare. The City of San Francisco and adjacent areas house about 2,500,000 persons." USS Lexington, late 50s–early 60s.

"Merry Christmas," 1950s–60s.

F3D-2 (F-10B under the 1962 designation system) Skyknight, BuNo 127065, Experimental and Development Squadron (VX) 4. Late 1950s–early 1960s.

USS Halibut (SSGN-587) firing a Regulus missile in front of USS Lexington (CVA-16), 25 March 1960, the first nuclear-powered submarine to successfully launch a guided missile.

Official US Navy Photograph of USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway on 18 July 1960. The photo is from Blue Ghost's own photo lab, serial #CVA-16-4098-L-7-60. On that date, Lexington departed San Diego at 1325, to conduct CarQuals.

Planes on deck are two A3D-2 Skywarriors from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 "Forerunners" and an F3H-2 Demon from Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 "Black Lions."

USS Lexington (CVA-16) underway, probably during (or shortly before or after) her 1961–62 WestPac cruise.

USS Lexington (CVA-16) launches a North American FJ-4B Fury, BuNo 143524 (modex NP206), from Attack Squadron (VA) 212 "Rampant Raiders," 11 April 1961. Another identifiable FJ-4B is BuNo 143553 (NP207); a Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior parked on deck aft of the island is BuNo 147650, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 "Fourrunners."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # USN 1056564.

USS Lexington (CVS-16) underway as a training carrier. U.S. Navy photo, probably taken in the early 1960s.

A nice view of USS Lexington underway as a training carrier, sometime in the 1960s.

Grumman S-2D Tracker anti-submarine aircraft on the port catapult of USS Lexington (CVS-16), 22 January 1963. The Catapult Officer is at left, giving the "launch" signal.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97498).

USS Lexington (CVS-16) underway on 15 July 1963, with twenty-six T-28 Trojan training planes parked forward and amidships. At this time, Naval Academy midshipmen were riding the ship to observe carrier qualifications.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, # USN 1086588.

USS Lexington (CVS-16) underway. This photo may have been taken within minutes from the photo above.

"Sept. 13[, 1964] A RARE SIGHT—Aircraft carriers and battleships aren't seen together at sea these days, primarily because all of America's battlewagons are in mothballs. But two historic veterans of WW II, the carrier Lexington [(CVS-16)] and the battleship Alabama [(BB-60)] got together in the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. The Lexington, still in service, was enroute to New Orleans for a visit; the Alabama was being towed to Mobile where it will be enshrined."

"U.S. Navy photographer Gordon Jones of the Lexington took this picture from a helicopter. (OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH) (AP WIREPHOTO)"

This is TF-9J Cougar, BuNo 142979, from Chase Field, TX-based VT-25 "Cougars," which missed all arresting wires when trying to recover aboard USS Lexington (CVS-16), 24 May 1966. Pilot could be rescued, fortunately.

An A-7A Corsair II of VA-174 "Hell Razors" ready to be launched. VA-174, the East Coast A-7 Readiness Air Group (RAG), operated A-7A's from October 1966–July 1968.

Aerial starboard bow view of the training aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CVT-16) underway. Although the photo is dated 1985, it must have been taken before 1970, as the ship is still fitted with Mk.24 Mod. 11 5-inch 38-cal open gun mounts.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, # DN-ST-86-02002.

USS Lexington (CVT-16), sometime in the 1970s.

Kenny behind the island aboard USS Lexington in the 1970s.

Flight deck activity during the 1970s or 1980s. A TA-4J Skyhawk is parked in the center, as another passes overhead.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97497).

USS Lexington (AVT-16) underway with two Rockwell T-2C Buckeyes of VT-26, based at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, TX, flying overhead, date (1970s–1980s) and location unknown.

The 250,000th arrested landing was made on the USS Lexington (AVT-16) on June 17, 1969, by CAPT Wayne E. Hammett and CDR Donald Jensen (CO of VT-4 training squadron) in a T-2B Buckeye.

Commemorating the 300,000th landing on the USS Lexington.

Tim McGuire notes: "The date was 22 May 1972. They had a big celebration on the flight deck: big cake for all the Air Dept. I was there, somewhere in this picture."

Tom Sawyer comments: "I was serving aboard as a MM3 in Main Control at the time. Better than average chances I was on throttles at the time."

"In 1972, I was stationed on the Lexington (CVT-16) as a PH3. President Richard Nixon asked Don Garlits to do a "Fly Navy Promo" with his car the Swamp Rat 16. We photographers mates were allowed to photograph the scene while assisting the photographers from "Hot Rod" Magazine. We had to swear we would not sell the photographs we took to any other magazines. This is my shot of the Swamp Rat 16 on the flight deck of the Lexington," [ready to race an A-7E Corsair II of VA-81 "Sunliners."]

William Carter Fields adds: "The Catapult Officer is LCDR Mckinney, Flight deck Photographer (back to camera) is PH2 John Signaigo, Phone Talker is AN Parrish. I was Flight Deck Control Phone talker when the photo shoot was done."

USS Lexington (AVT-16), Pensacola, FL, 1974. Island.

USS Lexington (AVT-16), Pensacola, FL, 1974. Island.

TA-4J Skyhawk, VT-24 "Bobcats" (Chase Field, Beeville, TX), aboard USS Lexington (AVT-16), Pensacola, FL, 1975.

T-2 Buckeye aboard USS Lexington (AVT-16), Pensacola, FL, 1975.

USS Lexington (AVT-16) underway in the Gulf of Mexico, 1978.

Aerial view of tugs assisting USS Lexington (AVT-16), circa 1980. The ship was docking at the Allegheny Pier, Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.051.016.

Port bow view of the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS Lexington (AVT-16) docked at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, October 1980. U.S. Navy photo.

Konoka (YTM-151) alongside USS Lexington (AVT-16) at Pensacola, FL, circa 1981.

USS Lexington (AVT-16) arriving in Pensacola, near the end of her career.

The training aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CVS-16/CVT-16/AVT-16) moored at Allegheny Pier of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida (USA). Chevalier Field is visible on the right and the buildings of the mainside portion of the air station are in the background. The photo is dated 1985.

National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo, # 1987.171.003.

A TA-4J Skyhawk is catapulted from the training aircraft carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16). Photo is dated 24 October 1985.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, # DN-ST-86-00545.

An air-to-air right side view of a restored PBY Catalina aircraft over Naval Air Station, Pensacola, during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of naval aviation. The training aircraft carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16) is in the background. Photo dated 3 May 1986. Photographer unknown.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, # DN-SC-87-03196.

An aerial port view of the training aircraft carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16) underway, 1987.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, # DN-SN-87-08866.

A Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft of Training Wing TW-3 waits behind the blast deflector for its turn at the catapult as another Skyhawk clears the flight deck of the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS Lexington (AVT-16) during pilot carrier training, 1 April 1989. Photo by Jim Bryant. U.S. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo # DN-ST-89-08973.

USS Lexington (AVT-16) returning to her berth at Pensacola Naval Air Station on 30 October 1989. While at sea, there had been a deadly crash of a T-2C Buckeye aboard the ship.

National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo, # 1996.488.051.053.

A magnificent photo of USS Lexington (AVT-16) underway in the Gulf of Mexico, 1991.

On 8 March 1991 a milestone trap occurred on this flight deck. LT Kathleen P. Owens of VRC-40 became the last pilot to land aboard USS Lexington (AVT-16), following a Navy decision to decommission the ship. Owens thus became the first female pilot to attain that distinction on a carrier. Lexington also was the first carrier with female crewmembers. The C-2A Greyhound flight crew included LT Paul Villagomez, AM1 Donnie E. Kicklighter, and AD2 Mark F. Pemrick.

Official captions state that these photos show Lexington as she arrives and departs (?) Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on 22 January 1992, but this cannot be correct, as she was decommissioned on 8 November 1991.

NS0216aj: National Naval Aviation Museum photo.

NS0216aja: Defense Media Activity photo, # DN-SC-92-04819.

NS0216ajb: Defense Media Activity photo, # DN-SC-92-04820.

"Official US Navy Photographs of the Blue Ghost, USS Lexington (AVT-16). These photos were shot while she was getting underway from her new homeport of the Port of Pensacola. She was transferred to 'Downtown Pensacola' on 29 April 1989, while Allegheny Pier at NAS Pensacola was undergoing renovations. I believe that these shots were taken of the last time she ever got underway under her own power."

NS0216aq: "Shows her being assisted by a small group of civilian tugs."

An official Navy photograph of USS Lexington (AVT-16) at Pensacola. The photo shows the Blue Ghost being readied for towing to Corpus Christi, Texas, in December 1991. There is a piece of heavy equipment (painted yellow) on the forward end of the flight deck. This device would be used to attach the tow cable to the anchor chain.

As can be seen in this view, the catapult tracks have been covered over. She is sporting a brand new paint job with the hull and the upper part of the island in Haze Gray 5‑H. The forward part of the island and mast are painted black. The flight deck has a new coat of "anti-skid."

Midway (1976), directed by Jack Smight, with Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Glenn Ford, Hal Holbrook, Toshirô Mifune, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, Robert Wagner. (Aka The Battle of Midway.)

USS Lexington (CVT-16) played the role of all three US carriers involved in the battle—USS Yorktown (CV-5), USS Enterprise (CV-6) and USS Hornet (CV-8)—and also represented the Japanese carrier Hiryu, with the image reversed to show the ship's island on the port side.

The TV miniseries War and Remembrance was partially filmed aboard USS Lexington (AVT-16) in 1987. The series, directed by Dan Curtis and starred by Robert Mitchum, Jane Seymour, Hart Bochner, Victoria Tennant, and John Gielgud, aired in 1988–1989.

Lexington was altered, to the extent possible, to resemble the World War II USS Enterprise (CV-6).

NS021699a: A motion picture camera rests on the flight deck of Lexington during the filming of War and Remembrance, 12 September 1987, in Pensacola, Florida. Two North American T-6 Texan training aircraft, resembling SBD Dauntless dive bombers and painted in 1942 camouflage, are in the background. US Navy photo by PHC (SW) Jeff Hilton (National Archives identifier: 6432449; local identifier: 330-CFD-DN-ST-88-01792.jpeg).

Lexington, by then a Museum ship, was used to film Pearl Harbor (2001), directed by Michael Bay and starred by Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Colm Feore and Alec Baldwin.

Lexington was altered to represent a Japanese carrier, and also USS Hornet (CV-8).

This picture was taken in July 2005, from the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.

USS Lexington Museum, 19 September 2009.

USS Lexington Museum, 19 September 2009.

Brochure.

"Welcome Aboard.".