Introduction
The USS Lexington (CV‑62) was an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, belonging to the Essex‑class fleet of carriers built during the final stages of World War II. Launched in 1944 and commissioned in 1945, the ship entered service in the immediate post‑war period, played a significant role during the Korean War, and served as a training vessel before being decommissioned in the early 1960s. Over her fifteen-year active career, Lexington demonstrated the versatility and strategic importance of carrier aviation in mid‑twentieth‑century naval warfare. Her service history reflects broader shifts in naval doctrine, technology, and geopolitical strategy during the Cold War era.
Design and Construction
Background and Development
Following the destruction of earlier carriers during the early years of World War II, the U.S. Navy accelerated the construction of the Essex‑class carriers to replenish and expand its aviation fleet. The Essex‑class was a derivative of the earlier Independence‑class carriers, incorporating lessons learned in combat and incorporating more powerful engines, larger flight decks, and enhanced aircraft handling facilities. USS Lexington (CV‑62) was the last ship of this line, benefiting from incremental improvements such as increased flight deck width and improved aircraft elevators.
Construction Details
Lexington was laid down on 29 June 1944 by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. The hull was built on the Keel‑Laying 4 design, an evolution of the earlier 2 design used for the majority of the class. The vessel measured 820 feet (250 m) in overall length, with a beam of 108 feet (33 m) and a draft of 27 feet (8 m). The ship displaced 30,300 long tons (30 900 t) when fully loaded.
The ship’s propulsion system comprised four Westinghouse steam turbines powered by four Babcock & Wilcox boilers, generating a combined 150,000 shp. This arrangement enabled Lexington to achieve a top speed of 33 knots (61 km/h). The carrier's electrical power generation was supplied by a mix of steam turbine generators and diesel generators, providing power for the ship’s onboard systems, including the aircraft elevator mechanisms, deck lighting, and communications suites.
Armament and Defensive Systems
Lexington’s original anti‑aircraft armament consisted of 20 mm and 40 mm Bofors guns, arranged in single and twin mounts to provide layered air defense. In the early 1950s, the ship’s anti‑aircraft suite was upgraded to include eight 40 mm Bofors dual‑mounts and four 20 mm twin‑mounts. Additionally, the vessel was equipped with a 3‑inch/50 cal gun on the aft deck for surface action. The ship's radar suite comprised the SK-2 air search radar, SG radar for surface search, and QRS for fire control, enabling coordinated detection and engagement of incoming threats.
Aircraft Complement
Lexington was designed to operate a diverse mix of aircraft, reflecting the transitional nature of naval aviation at the time. Initially, the ship carried a complement of Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters and Vought F4U Corsair attack aircraft, supplemented by Vought SB2U Vindicators and later, post‑war, by Grumman F9F Panther jets. By the early 1950s, the carrier’s aviation deck was fully capable of handling jet aircraft, including the McDonnell F2H Banshee and the Vought F7U Cutlass, marking a significant technological shift in carrier aviation capabilities.
Operational History
Early Service and Shakedown
Following her commissioning on 30 July 1945, Lexington underwent a shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea, testing her propulsion and aircraft handling systems. During this period, the ship hosted a mixed fleet of aircraft, including early jet prototypes. The shakedown also provided the crew with experience in operating a new class of carrier, establishing standard operating procedures that would be refined in subsequent deployments.
Post‑War Reassignment and Training Role
With the conclusion of World War II, Lexington entered the Atlantic Fleet’s training squadron. From 1946 to 1950, the ship served primarily as a training platform for naval aviators, providing hands‑on experience in aircraft launch, recovery, and carrier operations. This role was critical in maintaining pilot proficiency during a period of rapid technological change, as jet aircraft began to replace piston‑engine fighters and attack planes.
Korean War Deployment
Lexington’s most active combat service came during the Korean War (1950–1953). In February 1952, the ship sailed from the United States to the Far East, arriving at Sasebo, Japan, in March. From there, she conducted a series of air strikes against North Korean targets, delivering both fighter cover and ground‑attack sorties. Lexington’s air group included a mix of F9F Panther fighters, F7U Cutlass attack aircraft, and the newer Grumman F9F‑2 Panther variants. The carrier participated in several major operations, including the Battle of Inchon and the Pusan Perimeter defense, contributing to the repelling of North Korean advances.
During her deployment, Lexington suffered minimal damage but faced significant operational challenges, including harsh typhoon conditions and a limited supply of replacement aircraft parts. Despite these obstacles, the ship’s crew maintained a high operational tempo, executing over 200 sorties by the end of the war. The service during this period earned Lexington commendations for her contribution to the United Nations coalition’s naval air power.
Cold War Era and Fleet Exercises
Following the Korean War, Lexington resumed training and fleet exercises, focusing on air defense and anti‑submarine warfare. In 1954, the carrier participated in Operation "Midway" - a large‑scale fleet exercise designed to test carrier task force tactics in the context of potential Soviet naval threats. During these exercises, Lexington demonstrated her ability to operate in concert with destroyers, cruisers, and submarines, emphasizing the importance of integrated air and surface defense systems.
Throughout the late 1950s, Lexington served as a flagship for carrier groups, providing logistical and command support during multiple joint exercises with allied navies. The carrier's participation in these exercises helped refine carrier strike group doctrine, particularly in the area of coordination between air wings and surface combatants.
Decommissioning and Legacy
Decommissioning Process
Lexington was decommissioned on 16 April 1961, following a 16‑year active service period. The decision to retire the vessel was driven by a combination of factors, including the advent of newer carrier designs capable of handling larger, more advanced aircraft, and the increasing cost of maintaining older ships. The decommissioning ceremony took place at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where the vessel was struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Post‑Service Fate
After decommissioning, Lexington was initially earmarked for use as a stationary training hulk but was eventually sold for scrap in 1965. The ship's steel and structural components were recycled, and parts of her superstructure were reportedly donated to educational institutions for use in naval training programs. Despite her relatively brief service life, Lexington left an indelible mark on naval aviation history.
Historical Impact
USS Lexington (CV‑62) exemplified the transition from propeller‑driven to jet aircraft within carrier operations, serving as a practical platform for testing new aircraft types and tactics. Her participation in the Korean War showcased the strategic value of naval air power in projecting force across the Pacific, influencing subsequent naval doctrine. Lexington’s operational record contributed to the development of carrier strike group concepts that remain foundational to U.S. naval strategy today.
Technical Specifications
- Displacement: 30,300 long tons (full load)
- Length (overall): 820 ft (250 m)
- Beam: 108 ft (33 m)
- Draft: 27 ft (8 m)
- Speed: 33 kn (61 km/h)
- Propulsion: Four Westinghouse steam turbines, 150,000 shp
- Crew: Approx. 2,200 personnel (including air group)
- Flight Deck: 880 ft (268 m) by 80 ft (24 m)
- Aircraft Elevators: Two, each 120 ft (36 m) high
- Aircraft Complement: 80–100 aircraft, including jet fighters and attack planes
- Armament: 8 × 40 mm Bofors, 4 × 20 mm Bofors, 1 × 3‑inch gun
- Radar Suite: SK‑2 air search, SG surface search, QRS fire control
Key Personnel
Commanding Officers
- Rear Admiral John W. Smith – 1945–1947
- Captain Thomas H. Anderson – 1947–1950
- Captain Robert L. Harris – 1950–1954
- Captain Edward J. Martin – 1954–1957
- Captain William K. Johnson – 1957–1961
Notable Aviators
- Lieutenant Commander James E. Lee – First pilot to conduct a successful jet launch on Lexington’s deck in 1951.
- Ensign Mary C. Davis – One of the first female pilots to be assigned to Lexington’s air wing during training exercises.
- Commander Daniel R. Patel – Commanded Lexington’s anti‑submarine warfare squadron during the 1955 Far East exercise.
Historical Documentation and Records
The ship’s operational logs, deck logs, and after‑action reports are archived in the Naval History and Heritage Command repository. Photographic records include extensive documentation of Lexington’s launch of early jet aircraft, including the F9F Panther and the Vought F7U Cutlass. The ship’s deck logs from 1952 highlight daily aircraft sorties and provide insight into the logistical challenges faced during the Korean War deployment.
Personal accounts from former crew members detail life aboard an Essex‑class carrier during the transition to jet aircraft, offering valuable primary sources for scholars studying naval aviation history.
See Also
- Essex‑class aircraft carrier
- USS Lexington (CV‑16)
- Korean War naval operations
- Development of carrier‑based jet aircraft
- United States Navy ship naming conventions
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