Haunting of the USS Lexington
The USS Lexington, initially intended to be named the USS Cabot, holds a fascinating history intertwined with the events of World War II. Launched in 1942, this aircraft carrier served as a flagship in the Pacific War and earned a formidable reputation. Renamed in honor of the original USS Lexington, which was lost during the Battle of the Coral Sea, this ship became known as the “Blue Ghost” due to its ability to seemingly sink and resurface. Beyond its military accolades, the USS Lexington has gained notoriety for the numerous claims of supernatural activity experienced by crew members and visitors. In this article, we will explore the history of the location and delve into the haunting phenomena associated with the USS Lexington.
The History of the USS Lexington
Originally planned to be christened as the USS Cabot, the vessel’s name changed when the original USS Lexington was lost in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The new ship, USS Lexington, was launched in 1942 and commissioned as a flagship for the Pacific War in 1943. Throughout its service, the USS Lexington received 11 Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding heroism in battle against the armed enemy.
During the war, the ship gained its nickname, the “Blue Ghost,” bestowed upon it by the Japanese. This eerie moniker emerged after the USS Lexington was observed sinking but then mysteriously resurfacing, leaving its enemies perplexed. The ship’s blue camouflage paint, intended for camouflage purposes, further added to its ghostly allure, creating an impression of invisibility.
Is the Lexington Haunted?
The USS Lexington, with its rich wartime history and ghostly nickname, has become renowned for its paranormal encounters. One of the most notable spirits aboard the ship is a fully uniformed sailor known as Charlie. Regarded as a benevolent presence, Charlie is believed to guide lost souls back to the ship’s deck, offering comfort and assistance. Many crew members and visitors have reported experiencing Charlie’s presence, with some claiming to have been directed to safety during emergencies.
Another apparition that has been witnessed is that of a sailor who gives detailed lectures on the inner workings of the engine room, specifically focusing on turbine mechanics. Once the lecture concludes, this spirit vanishes into thin air, leaving a sense of wonder and intrigue. While the USS Lexington played a vital role in the war, it is believed to harbor no negative spirits, only playful ones. Reports of items being mysteriously moved or hidden by mischievous entities are common among the ship’s current crew members.
Despite the lighthearted nature of these supernatural occurrences, the ship still holds residual energy, with ghostly screams and cries occasionally heard throughout its corridors. These eerie sounds can unsettle some guests, creating an atmosphere that reminds visitors of the ship’s tumultuous past.
The USS Lexington stands as a testament to both human bravery and the enigmatic realm of the paranormal. Its history and the reported ghostly encounters aboard the vessel continue to captivate those who visit, offering a unique and haunting experience.
Address: USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78402, United States.
Sources:
1. USS Lexington Museum. “About USS Lexington CV-16.” https://www.usslexington.com
2. Texas Monthly. “USS Lexington: The Blue Ghost.” https://www.texasmonthly.com/
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