USS Lex a floating historic museum

Virtual battle stations are among the newest exhibits aboard the

USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi.

Installed on the retired aircraft carrier this year, the battle stations are interactive exhibits that thrust visitors into the chase and grit that was World War II. Visitors also will find a flight simulator that seems to launch them into combat.

Despite repeated attacks during World War II, the USS Lexington never sank, prompting Japanese propagandist Tokyo Rose to dub the aircraft carrier "The Blue Ghost."

The carrier, illuminated at night with ghostly blue lighting, is a National Historic Landmark permanently docked at 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., on Corpus Christi Beach.

In addition to a 910-foot flight deck where planes once were launched with a catapult and landed with a hook, the retired carrier also has a post office, barbershop, hospital and captain's quarters on display.

The Lex has 20 restored vintage Navy aircraft on the flight deck.

The Lexington is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Labor Day to Memorial Day and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days, when it's closed.

Ticket sales stop 30 minutes before the Lex closes for the day.

Admission is $12.95 for adults, $10.95 for seniors age 60 and over or military with ID and $7.95 for children 4-12. Children 3 and under get in free, as do members. Admission includes a choice of one large format movie filmed in Imax and projected in the Lex's MegaTheater. Personal tour guides are $25 and can handle up to 15 people.

Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. The Lex also offers overnight campouts and private function rentals.

For more information, call the museum at 361-888-4873 or toll free at 800-LADY-LEX or visit online at usslexington.com.