The USS Lexington (CV-16) wasn’t just any warship; it was the ghost the Japanese couldn’t kill. Dubbed “The Blue Ghost”¹ for its uncanny knack of returning to battle after being reported sunk, this Essex-class carrier became one of World War II’s most feared and fabled vessels.
Commissioned in 1943, it tore through the Pacific theater, embodying American resilience and baffling its enemies at every turn.
Today, anchored as a floating museum in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Lexington still mesmerizes with tales of survival and mystery. But what exactly forged its legend—and why did its enemies believe it was haunted?
A Phoenix Rises from the Ashes
The USS Lexington (CV-16) was born out of tragedy. Originally slated to be named USS Cabot, the ship’s destiny changed when its predecessor, USS Lexington (CV-2), was sunk during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942.
In a poignant tribute, workers at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, successfully petitioned to rename the vessel under construction.
On June 16, 1942, the new carrier was christened Lexington, becoming the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name.
Forged in the Fires of War
Commissioned on February 17, 1943, under the command of Captain Felix Stump, the Lexington wasted no time in joining the fray.
After a brief shakedown cruise in the Caribbean, she set sail for the Pacific, where her mettle would be tested in the crucible of war. The carrier’s early days foreshadowed her pivotal role in the Allied push across the vast Pacific Ocean.
Tokyo Rose’s Nemesis
The Japanese propaganda machine inadvertently bestowed upon Lexington her most enduring nickname.
The infamous Tokyo Rose, in her attempts to demoralize American forces, repeatedly announced the sinking of the Lexington – only to have the carrier reappear time and again.
This resilience in the face of enemy claims led to her being dubbed “The Blue Ghost,” a moniker that stuck and became a source of pride for her crew.
Postwar Transformation
After the war, the Lexington’s journey was far from over. Briefly decommissioned in 1947, she was reactivated in 1955 and assigned to the Seventh Fleet.
While no longer engaged in combat, the carrier maintained a vigilant presence during periods of international tension, including crises in Formosa, Laos, and Cuba.
Training the Next Generation
In 1962, the Lexington went on a new mission, defining the latter part of her naval career.
Sailing into Pensacola, Florida, she began operations as a training carrier, officially designated CVT-16. For nearly three decades, the Lexington played a crucial role in preparing naval aviators, including those serving in Vietnam.
This period saw her achieve remarkable milestones, including her 200,000th arrest landing on October 17, 1967.
Engaging the Public with Living History
As a museum ship, the Lexington continues to educate and inspire. (ref)
Visitors can explore her decks, peer into the daily lives of sailors, and marvel at the aircraft that once launched from her flight deck. Special events like overnight stays and haunted tours provide immersive experiences that bring history to life.
The “Blue Ghost” now bridges past and present, ensuring that the sacrifices and achievements of those who served aboard her are never forgotten.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
