The USS Yorktown is one of the famous aircraft carriers built during the second world war, and I visited it for two hours during my vacation.
USS Yorktown is One of American’s Greatest – Battle of Yorktown
One of the greatest battles fought by the Americans during the American Revolution is the Battle of Yorktown, which is why the carrier was named after it.
Although it is the name of the carrier, it is not the only one. This massive vessel launched on 21 January, 1943, and is about 26 meters in length. It is open to the public every day from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. It is the fourth carrier to bear the name. My visit took 2 hours on a Wednesday, when I explored every part of the ship.
I’m a naval history buff!
Jules Verne, the famous French writer, once wrote: “The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the ‘Living Infinite…”
As for me, my curiosity took me to every cabin and other significant part of the ship and I enjoyed every moment of it. It is not a must to spend up to two hours. Some tourists did not stay that long. A friendly curator guided me and other visitors around. Yes, he answered a lot of my questions because I asked him a lot. I wanted to know everything I could about this great carrier.
I had heard about the ship several times before visiting it and added it to my travel vacation ideas list. Since I knew nothing about the ship prior to visiting it, I bombarded the curator with questions. He was polite and helpful.
More about the ship
It carried between 90 and 100 aircraft in its lifetime. Despite being launched in January 1943, the great USS Yorktown was not commissioned until 15 April the same year. It was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding Company. Approximately four years after launch, the ship was decommissioned on 9th January 1947.
The massive ship was recommissioned on 2 January 1953 and decommissioned on 27 June 1970. In order to get all this information about the ship, I asked many questions. It was like a game of “20 Questions”, with me asking questions to get closer and closer to the information I was looking for, until I had a clear picture of the ship’s history.
The carrier reached a maximum speed of 33 knots or 61 km/h.
It was modified several times to suit the ship’s purpose. The ship was converted into an antisubmarine carrier at some point. The Apollo 8 space mission team used the boat as a recovery ship. And, it appeared in two different movies – Tora! Tora! Tora! And the Philadelphia Experiment.
Heard of battle stars? Sweet Sixteen!
It earned 16 battle stars during its service. The USS Hornet earned 4 battle stars during its service in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign.
It became a museum ship in 1975, about 42 years ago. One can only imagine the number of tourists that would have visited the magnificent vessel.
USS Yorktown – Museum Experience of a Lifetime
You really need to visit USS Yorktown Charleston SC at least once in a lifetime. The visit to the USS Yorktown was well worth it. Several reviewers on Yelp have said that visiting the USS Yorktown is a must for all tourists, no matter if you’re a naval history enthusiast or not. Her size alone is worth seeing if for nothing else.”
If you are visiting Charleston, this is a must see. From submarines to ships to the veterans museum, the history is so fulfilling. The view from the flight deck is just breathtaking.” When you visit the low country next, make sure to stop by Patriot’s Point and take photos of the USS Yorktown and other wonderful exhibits.
Photography Prints of The USS Yorktown on Sale – Framed or Stretched
You can own a wonderful print of the USS Yorktown carrier for your home or office. Also, this ship picture makes a perfect gift for our fine service men and women of the US Navy or Naval enthusiasts. Check out the sizes and versions of your USS Yorktown wall art here.
Thanks for stopping in and I hope you enjoy this photo of the Yorktown and its rich history. – Bob