5 Ways To Explore Uss Yorktown In South Carolina

The USS Yorktown, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, is a popular tourist attraction in South Carolina. Located in Mount Pleasant, near Charleston, this massive naval vessel offers a unique glimpse into the country's military history. With a plethora of interactive exhibits, restored aircraft, and even a submarine, there are numerous ways to explore the USS Yorktown. Here are five ways to experience this iconic American landmark.

Exploring the Flight Deck

The flight deck of the USS Yorktown is an exciting place to start your exploration. This massive deck, which spans over 900 feet in length, offers breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor. Visitors can walk along the deck and explore the various aircraft on display, including a F-14 Tomcat, an A-6 Intruder, and an F/A-18 Hornet. The flight deck also features a series of interactive exhibits, including a mock aircraft carrier control tower and a Navy jet engine.

Top 5 Aircraft to See on the Flight Deck

F-14 Tomcat: A supersonic, twin-engine fighter jet that was a staple of the US Navy's fleet during the Cold War era.
A-6 Intruder: A twin-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft that was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
F/A-18 Hornet: A multirole fighter jet that has been used by the US Navy and Marine Corps since the 1980s.
S-3 Viking: A twin-engine, mid-wing anti-submarine warfare aircraft that was used by the US Navy during the Cold War era.
SH-60 Seahawk: A twin-engine, multi-mission helicopter that is still used by the US Navy today.

Discovering the Hangar Deck

The hangar deck of the USS Yorktown is a treasure trove of naval history. This massive deck, which spans over 200,000 square feet, features a vast array of exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore the ship's former aircraft maintenance facilities, see historic aircraft on display, and even take a simulated flight on a Navy jet. The hangar deck also features a series of interactive exhibits, including a Navy flight simulator and a restored World War II-era aircraft carrier control tower.

Top 5 Exhibits to See on the Hangar Deck

World War II Aircraft Carrier Control Tower: A restored control tower that offers a glimpse into the USS Yorktown's role during World War II.
Navy Flight Simulator: A state-of-the-art flight simulator that allows visitors to experience the thrill of flying a Navy jet.
Historic Aircraft on Display: The hangar deck features a vast array of historic aircraft, including a World War II-era Corsair and a Vietnam War-era Phantom II.
Aircraft Maintenance Facilities: Visitors can explore the ship's former aircraft maintenance facilities and see how naval aircraft were repaired and maintained.
Medal of Honor Gallery: A gallery dedicated to the Medal of Honor recipients who served on the USS Yorktown.

Exploring the Island

The island of the USS Yorktown is the command center of the ship, and it offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the sailors who served on board. Visitors can explore the ship's bridge, see the captain's quarters, and even take a tour of the ship's navigation system. The island also features a series of interactive exhibits, including a Navy navigation simulator and a restored World War II-era radio room.

Top 5 Things to See on the Island

The Bridge: The command center of the ship, where the captain and crew navigated the USS Yorktown through treacherous waters.
Captain's Quarters: The private quarters of the ship's captain, which offer a glimpse into the life of the USS Yorktown's commanding officer.
Navigation System: A restored navigation system that shows how the USS Yorktown's crew navigated the ship through the ocean.
Navy Navigation Simulator: A state-of-the-art simulator that allows visitors to experience the thrill of navigating a Navy ship.
World War II-era Radio Room: A restored radio room that shows how the USS Yorktown's crew communicated with other ships and naval bases during World War II.

Visiting the USS Clamagore Submarine

The USS Clamagore is a decommissioned submarine that is moored alongside the USS Yorktown. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the submarine and explore its cramped corridors and tiny compartments. The USS Clamagore is a unique glimpse into the lives of the sailors who served on board, and it offers a fascinating look at the history of submarine warfare.

Top 5 Things to See on the USS Clamagore

The Control Room: The nerve center of the submarine, where the crew controlled the USS Clamagore's movements and systems.
The Engine Room: The heart of the submarine, where the crew maintained the USS Clamagore's engines and propulsion systems.
The Crew Quarters: The living quarters of the USS Clamagore's crew, which offer a glimpse into the cramped and Spartan conditions of life on board a submarine.
The Galley: The kitchen of the USS Clamagore, where the crew prepared meals for the sailors on board.
The Torpedo Room: The room where the USS Clamagore's crew loaded and fired torpedoes during combat.

Special Events and Exhibits

The USS Yorktown hosts a variety of special events and exhibits throughout the year, including reenactments, concerts, and living history days. Visitors can also explore the ship's restored World War II-era aircraft carrier control tower, see historic aircraft on display, and even take a simulated flight on a Navy jet.

Top 5 Special Events to Attend

Living History Days: A reenactment of life on board the USS Yorktown during World War II, featuring costumed interpreters and historic aircraft.
World War II-era Aircraft Displays: A display of historic aircraft from World War II, including a B-25 Mitchell and a P-51 Mustang.
Navy Flight Simulators: A state-of-the-art flight simulator that allows visitors to experience the thrill of flying a Navy jet.
Concerts and Performances: A variety of concerts and performances, including patriotic music and dance performances.
Reenactments: A reenactment of historic events, including battles and ceremonies, featuring costumed interpreters and historic equipment.

USS Yorktown Image Gallery

What is the USS Yorktown?

The USS Yorktown is a decommissioned aircraft carrier that is now a museum and memorial in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

How long does it take to tour the USS Yorktown?

The length of time it takes to tour the USS Yorktown varies depending on your level of interest and the exhibits you want to see. A typical visit can last anywhere from 2-6 hours.

Is the USS Yorktown suitable for families?

Yes, the USS Yorktown is suitable for families with children. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that are designed to be fun and educational for kids of all ages.

Can I take a guided tour of the USS Yorktown?

Yes, the USS Yorktown offers guided tours of the ship. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide you with a deeper understanding of the ship's history and operations.

Is the USS Yorktown accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the USS Yorktown is accessible for visitors with disabilities. The museum offers wheelchair accessibility and other accommodations to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits and activities.

We hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive guide to exploring the USS Yorktown in South Carolina. Whether you're a history buff, a naval enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family, the USS Yorktown has something for everyone. So why not start planning your visit today?