USS Yorktown

USS Yorktown is an Essex-class museum ship in Mount Pleasant and sits permanently moored at a pier in Charleston Harbor. The vessel features a flight deck on top, a hangar deck below, engine rooms inside, and living quarters for the former crew.

The ship was commissioned in 1943 and took part in combat operations in the Pacific during World War II. After the war it remained in active service until 1970 and was then opened as a museum.

The painted nickname "The Fighting Lady" appears in several locations and reflects the naval tradition of giving warships personal identities. Onboard displays show how different departments of the crew worked together and what daily routines looked like at sea.

Visitors can explore the flight deck, hangar, and several interior spaces on their own. On hot days it can get warm in the non-air-conditioned areas, so comfortable shoes and plenty of water are recommended.

The ship served as the recovery vessel for Apollo 8 astronauts in December 1968 after their return from lunar orbit. Today visitors can see the spot where the capsule was brought aboard.

Location: Mount Pleasant

Inception: January 1, 1943

Reference: CV-10

Part of: Patriots Point

Address: Patriots Point Road

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-18:30

Phone: +18438842727

GPS coordinates: 32.79056,-79.90861

Latest update: December 15, 2025 04:05