Overnight on the USS Lexington, January 23-24, 2010
Katori Trails
Ever wonder what it would be like to spend the night on board an aircraft carrier? The USS Lexington's live aboard program provides that opportunity. Commissioned in 1943, the USS Lexington served longer and set more records than any aircraft carrier in the history of the United States Navy. This great ship was reported sunk four times in World War II, but was always returned to the fight, leading propagandist Tokyo Rose to name her the “Blue Ghost.” The USS Lexington is a retired Navy aircraft carrier that is now a Naval museum on Corpus Christi Bay.
We will plenty of time to tour the ship, view wall murals painted by crewmembers during World War II, and watch videos about famous battles. This is a great opportunity to see how thousands of sailors, pilots, and crew actually lived for months at a time aboard a warship.
Each person should bring his or her sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries and towel. Absolutely NO musical players, food or drink may be brought on board and no electrical devices plugged in. The Lexington will be able to provide power for medical equipment needs. Please notify Tom Peacock of any requests. The package includes three meals; lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. There is a snack bar in the hanger deck that is open late. Our group will be assigned specific berthing compartments and are requested to respect the privacy of other campers. Restroom facilities include showers. Lockers are available in each berthing compartment but each camper should bring a lock to secure his or her valuables. You must remain in your sleeping quarters after Taps (2300) as it is a definite safety hazard on Navy ships to be up and about with the lights off. Those unwilling to comply will be asked to leave.
Your Lexington pass includes admission to the IMAX Theater and will earn a discount to the Texas State Aquarium, which is within walking distance of the carrier. Among the many other activities in Corpus Christi is the nearby Museum of Natural History, which includes an exhibit on the visit of French explorer LaSalle to the region.
The cost is $52.00 per person. The Trailblazers have 60 slots. When they are gone, we will try to get additional slots, but the ship almost always fully booked for this weekend. So get your reservation in early. Reservations can be made at www.registerymca.org. The first weekend (January 23-24) is full, but we have 20 spaces and an option for more still available for the second weekend (February 6-7). The reservation deadline for the second weekend is January 10, 2010.
Tom Peacock will be the event leader and will meet everyone on Saturday, January 23rd, with all their gear, at the entrance to the gangplank leading to the ship (near the airplane mounted on the pedestal) no later than 10:45 a.m. Drop your gear at the Pier and park under the high bridge and walk back. We will get parking tokens on Sunday. Please check in with Tom so he will know when everyone is present, as the staff likes to have the entire group to board together. If you cannot check in on time, please let us know. The group will be issued wrist bands that must be worn at all times on board, and will then proceed to board ship to get berthing assignments, stow gear and eat lunch. Free time is from 1300 to 1745 to tour ship or go ashore and visit the Texas State Aquarium, History Museum, etc. Dinner is at 1800. In the evening the ship is open fully to live aboards. You can walk the flight deck or take in the beautiful view of the city and harbor from the ship’s bridge. Taps will be at 2300. Sunday Reveille is at 0700, followed by Move-out, breakfast, Muster Out Ceremony and departure at 1000, but you are free to stay on board for the day. Many visit the Aquarium on Sunday.
USS Lexington Directions: Take Hwy 59 to just east of Victoria, then connect to Hwy 77, follow the signs for Corpus Christi. Stay on Hwy 77 to Sinton; take a left on Hwy 181 to Portland. Continue on across the causeway, then follow the signs to the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. Parking near the Lexington is not available. Drop your gear off at the Pier and then park a few blocks away under the “high bridge”. Figure on about 4 hours from Katy. 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402 — 27° 48.970'N - 97° 23.457'W
For more information contact:
Tom Peacock
tom.peacock@katoritrails.com
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