USS Yorktown | Charleston

The USS Yorktown (CV-10) is a historic aircraft carrier permanently berthed at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston. As a key centerpiece of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the Yorktown offers visitors a powerful, immersive experience of U.S. naval history, spanning World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Historical Overview

Class and Type: Essex-class aircraft carrier

Commissioned: April 15, 1943

Named For: The previous USS Yorktown (CV-5), lost at the Battle of Midway in 1942

Service: Served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, playing a vital role in major battles and earning 11 battle stars

Decommissioned: 1970

Preservation: Became a museum ship in 1975 at Patriots Point, one of the most visited naval museums in the United States

World War II Service

Participated in numerous critical campaigns including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Philippines liberation, and Okinawa

Survived kamikaze attacks and severe combat conditions

Carried a complement of over 3,000 officers and enlisted men along with dozens of aircraft at peak wartime strength

Post-War Service

Modernized through several overhauls, including the SCB-27 and SCB-125 refits, which enhanced its armament, radar, and flight deck capabilities

Served actively during the Korean War and the early years of the Vietnam War, providing air support and carrier-based operations

Transitioned to training and secondary roles before final retirement

Museum Features

Flight Deck: Visitors can explore the expansive flight deck where fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters are displayed, including iconic aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom and A-4 Skyhawk.

Hangar Deck: Offers exhibits on the life of sailors, combat operations, and technical aspects of carrier operations.

Bridge and Combat Information Center: Restored areas showing command and control during wartime, with authentic instruments and displays.

Crew Quarters: Reconstructed living spaces, mess halls, and medical facilities reveal daily life aboard the ship.

The Medal of Honor Museum: Located onboard, this dedicated museum honors recipients of the Medal of Honor with artifacts, stories, and interactive displays.

Visitor Experience

Interactive Exhibits: Flight simulators, guided tours, and hands-on displays deepen understanding of naval aviation and life at sea.

Special Events: The ship hosts ceremonies, reenactments, veterans’ gatherings, and educational programs.

Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and guided services make much of the ship accessible, though some steep ladders remain challenging.

Location and Access

Located at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, SC, directly across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston.

Open year-round with ticket options for USS Yorktown alone or combined with other Patriots Point attractions like the USS Laffey and the Medal of Honor Museum.

Significance

The USS Yorktown stands as a monumental symbol of American naval power, innovation, and sacrifice. Its preserved structure and rich exhibits allow visitors to step back into the mid-20th century maritime warfare era, honoring the thousands who served aboard and illustrating the evolution of aircraft carrier technology and operations. It is a vital educational resource and a centerpiece of Charleston’s historic and cultural landscape.