USS Lexington (CV-16) 'Blue Ghost'
Japanese radio declared her sunk four times—yet she survived. Now a museum, the 'Blue Ghost' still carries her crew. Engine room phantoms, ghostly aviators, and voices from empty compartments.
The USS Lexington (CV-16), nicknamed the “Blue Ghost” because the Japanese claimed to have sunk her four times, now serves as a museum ship in Corpus Christi, Texas. She’s considered one of America’s most haunted ships.
The History
According to documented records:
The aircraft carrier served from 1943 to 1991:
- Named after the original Lexington (CV-2), lost at Coral Sea
- Declared sunk by Japanese radio four times
- Served longer than any other Essex-class carrier
- Participated in major WWII battles
- Later a training carrier
- Now a museum in Corpus Christi
The Deaths
Casualties during service included:
- Combat deaths from Japanese attacks
- Aircraft accidents
- A kamikaze strike that killed 50 crew members
- Operational accidents
The Hauntings
The Lexington has numerous reported ghosts:
The Engine Room: Where a sailor named Charlie is said to work. He helps visitors and staff, pointing directions and appearing as a helpful crew member before vanishing.
The Sick Bay: Apparitions of wounded sailors. Ghostly doctors and nurses.
The Flight Deck: Phantom aircraft sounds. Ghostly aviators seen.
The Crew Quarters: Voices, footsteps, and moving objects.
Charlie
The most famous Lexington ghost:
- Appears as a young sailor in blue dungarees
- Helps lost visitors find their way
- Disappears when thanked or questioned
- Multiple witnesses over decades
Common Experiences
Visitors and staff report:
- Helpful sailors who vanish
- Voices in empty compartments
- Footsteps on metal decks
- Cold spots
- Tools moving
- Equipment activating on its own
- Feelings of being watched
Investigations
The Lexington has been investigated by:
- Ghost Hunters
- Various paranormal research teams
- Independent investigators
Evidence includes EVPs and thermal images.
Modern Status
Today the USS Lexington offers:
- Museum tours
- Overnight stays on the ship
- Paranormal events
- The annual “Haunted Lex” during Halloween
The Blue Ghost Legacy
The nickname came from:
- Her blue-gray camouflage paint
- Japanese claims of sinking her (she never sank)
- The nickname now refers to her literal ghosts