USS Yorktown Celebrates 70 Years

The nation’s oldest aircraft carrier museum, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) is turning 70 and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is inviting everyone to join in on the celebration. On Sunday, April 14, Patriots Point will host a ‘Tribute to the Yorktown,’ complete with a full day of activities, programs and fun for the whole family!

Throughout the day, the museum will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to walk in the steps of the men who served aboard this historic ship.  An expanded Open Cockpit Sunday will provide access to even more aircraft on display and living history programs will give visitors a chance to meet and interact with sailors who served aboard the ship.  At 2 p.m., the Charleston Community Band will perform in Hangar Bay III aboard the USS Yorktown, along with several musical groups throughout the day. These special programs are free with purchase of regular admission.

At 7 p.m. that evening, the party will kick off with performances by Charleston jazz icons Lonnie Hamilton, III and Ann Caldwell, followed by a very special USO-style show hosted by Brad and Jennifer Moranz. Food and beverages will be available for purchase while guests dance under the stars to music from WWII. Tickets for this special evening are $22 and can be purchased on the Patriots Point website: www.patriotspoint.org.

“For seventy years, the USS Yorktown has left an indelible mark on all those who walk her decks,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “She turned boys into men during times of war and peace. Ordinary citizens became heroes and courage was an everyday occurrence.  Today, she leaves visitors today with a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the sacrifices of those who came before them.”

“Our celebration will honor ‘The Fighting Lady’s’ platinum anniversary by bringing her to life through educational and living history programs, as well as unforgettable musical performances that evening,” Burdette continued. “The USS Yorktown is more than just a Lowcountry landmark, she’s a national treasure. We hope everyone will join us on April 14 to celebrate her seventy years of service to our country.” 

USS YORKTOWN HISTORY

The USS Yorktown (CV -10) was one of 24 Essex-class carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. Built in just 16.5 months, Yorktown was launched in January 1943. Named after the American Revolutionary War’s Battle of Yorktown, she is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. 

Initially named Bon Homme Richard, she was renamed Yorktown while under construction to commemorate the USS Yorktown (CV-5), which was sunk during the epic Battle of Midway in June 1942. Like its namesake, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) was sponsored by Eleanor Roosevelt. 

The Yorktown was modified twice at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (SCB-27A 1951-53 and SCB-125 in 1955).  Yorktown’s service spanned three decades and included participation in WWII and the Vietnam War. The ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December, 1968.

YORKTOWN AND WAR

During WWII, Yorktown participated in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. The Yorktown’s aircraft inflicted heavy losses on the enemy at Truk and in the Marianas, and she provided support for American troops in the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.  Yorktown was awarded 11 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation for service in World War II.

Yorktown was undergoing modifications during the Korean Conflict; but served as the flagship of Task Force 77 conducting post-armistice patrols off the coast of Korea.

During Vietnam, Yorktown participated in a series of operations in the South China Sea, purportedly antisubmarine warfare services for the fast carriers conducting air strikes in Vietnam.  Yorktown earned an additional 5 battle stars for service off Vietnam.

APOLLO 8

Yorktown recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts (Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot James Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders) and capsule on December 27, 1968 – following their successful mission. Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth’s orbit, travel to the vicinity of the moon, and return safely to Earth.

YORKTOWN AS A MUSEUM – ONE OF NATION’S TOP CARRIER ATTRACTIONS

In 1973, the State of South Carolina established Patriots Point Development Authority (PPDA) to develop a naval and maritime museum on the Charleston Harbor.  In 1974, the Navy approved the donation of the Yorktown to PPDA and the ship was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Mount Pleasant, SC to become the nation’s first aircraft carrier museum.

Dedicated as a museum on October 13, 1975, Yorktown now serves as the centerpiece of one of the state’s largest tourist attractions, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – with more than 270,000 visitors each year. The Yorktown boasts one of the largest education and overnight camping programs in the nation, with more than 40,000 school age children attending these programs each year.