Tokyo Rose called her “the blue ghost” because she was the only ship in the war not painted in camouflage and due to the number of times the Japanese reported having sunk her in battle. Originally to be named the “Cabot” her name was changed during construction to the Lexington due to the loss of the “Lady Lex” Lexington CV-2 scuttled by a US navy destroyer after being heavily damaged by Japanese aircraft in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The hanger deck tribute to her predecessor the Lady Lex.
Tom in front of the aft twin five inch guns.
The island of the Blue Ghost.
The score card.
Tom on the bridge.
Looking out the command deck windows. Does that F-14 look familiar?
Here’s a closer shot. Recognize it now?
Here’s a helpful hint. Two of the aircraft used in the filming of Top Gun are found on the flight deck of the Lexington.
Here is a blue angel F-18 super hornet.
The always stunning F-4 Phantom
The bane of any air defense system, an A-6A Intruder armed to the teeth.
Had to brush up on our Latin for the Landing Signal Officer’s symbol.
These are just a few of the many pictures Tom and I took touring this incredible vessel. The tour went to all levels of the ship through a stunning array of memorabilia and informative audio visual displays explaining the workings and history of the Blue Ghost.