Lexington is floating museum

C all her what you want – “The Blue Ghost,” “The Lex” or “the USS

The “Lady Lex” is sure to take you on a historical journey back in time to World War II. Lexington Museum.”

Whatever you call her, the decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the Coastal Bend’s best-known destinations.

It got the “Blue Ghost” name because, despite repeated attacks during World War II, the USS Lexington never sank. Japanese propagandist Tokyo Rose dubbed the carrier “The Blue Ghost,” because the Imperial Japanese Navy never knew when or where she’d turn up next – and the name stuck.

The carrier today is the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, it is a National Historic Landmark permanently docked at 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., on Corpus Christi Beach.

In addition to a 910-foot flight deck, 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 with the Corpus Christi skyline .

Interactive virtual battle stations, among the newest exhibits, thrust visitors into the grit that was World War II. Visitors also will find a flight simulator.

The Lexington is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day from Labor Day to Memorial Day and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, 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 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, which is three stories tall. Personal tour guides are $25 and can handle up to 15 people.

More information is available at 361-888-4873 or toll free at 800-LADY-LEX, or visit online at usslexington.com.