The USS YORKTOWN (CV-10) was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Under construction as BON HOMME RICHARD, this new Essex-class carrier was renamed in honor of YORKTOWN (CV-5) sunk at the epic Battle of Midway (June 1942). Built in an amazing 16 ½ months at Newport News, Virginia, YORKTOWN was commissioned on April 15, 1943. World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady” would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. YORKTOWN received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II.
In the 1950s, YORKTOWN was modernized to operate jet aircraft as an attack carrier (CVA). In 1957, she was re-designated an anti-submarine aircraft carrier (CVS), and would later earn 5 battle stars for service off Vietnam (1965-68). The ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule (December 1968). YORKTOWN was decommissioned in 1970 and placed in reserve.
In 1975, this historic ship was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Charleston to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Take a ride to the moon and back inside this replica Apollo 8 capsule while listening to actual radio communication and watching video recorded during the mission.
Feel the USS Yorktown roar and watch the Engine Room come alive with interactive kiosks. Discover what it was like for a technician during WWII in our exciting, new Engine Room Experience. Click here to learn more.
| Displacement: | 27,000+ tons (1943) 30,000+ tons (1956) |
| Length: | 872 feet (1943) 888 feet (1956) |
| Speed: | 30+ knots |
| Range: | 14,000 nautical miles at 13 knots |
| Armament: | (circa 1944) 12 X 5 in/38 cal guns (127 mm), 68 X 40mm 917 quad mounts, 61 X 20mm (single); (circa 1968): 4 X 5 in/38 cal (127mm) |
