Open today from 9AM to 6:30PM
An American Heroine: From WWII to Vietnam
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 the USS Yorktown (CV-5) that was sunk at the epic Battle of Midway in June 1942. Built in a record 16 ½ months at Newport News, Virginia, the USS 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. The USS Yorktown received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II.
In the 1950s, the 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 notably recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December 1968. The USS Yorktown was decommissioned in 1970 and placed in reserve. In 1975, this historic ship was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Charleston, SC to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Included with admission.
An exciting new exhibit is now open! The exhibit promises to captivate history enthusiasts and military history buffs alike, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich historical significance of naval exploration and its impact on global affairs. It offers visitors a unique look at what life was like on board the ship.
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.
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.
Add the Patriots Point Experience app to all that there is to see and do here. Download the app for access to audio tours that immerse you in the real human histories of the USS Yorktown.
