Patriots Point Waves in New Aircraft onto the USS Yorktown
Jul 29, 2010
Patriots Point Waves in New Aircraft onto the USS Yorktown
Historic Museum Celebrates Arrival of One of the Largest Aircraft to Operate from a Carrier
MT.PLEASANT, S.C. – Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum welcomed the newest and largest aircraft to date for the USS Yorktown’s flight deck on historic Charleston Harbor in Mt. Pleasant, S.C on Thursday, July 8.
The aircraft arrived at Patriots Point by barge and a crane was used to place it onto the Yorktown flight deck.
The aircraft, a Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior, was first introduced in 1956 and for many years, represented the largest aircraft designed to operate from a carrier. Nicknamed “the whale,” the Skywarrior was instrumental as a strategic bomber in the Vietnam War and as a surveillance plane during the Cold War. Production ceased in 1961 with a total of 282 produced and it was officially retired in 1991.
Patriots Point features 27 historic aircraft onboard the USS Yorktown, including the Douglas AD-4N Skyraider, and the Grumman F6F Hellcat r.
“The historical and national value of Patriots Point is further reinforced with the addition of one of the largest aircraft to operate on a carrier,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Dick Trammell. “We appreciate the Skywarrior Association funding this exciting new addition.”
