TOUR AMERIA 2023 – BUCK HALL RECREATION AREA, McCLELLANVILLE, SC

July 8, 2023

Temperature 94 Degrees

Patriots Point Naval Museum

It was a Saturday, it was hot, and not a day we would usually go sightseeing. But we threw caution to the winds (Ha, there wasn’t a breeze to be found) and departed for Patriots Point Naval Museum for some sightseeing. A decision which later backfired on us.

Patriots Point is one of the reasons we returned to this area. The last time we were in this area we totally missed it but this time around we were determined to pay it a visit.

What is Patriots Point? The best way to answer that is with a quote from their own promotional literature: Patriots Point Development Authority was established in the 1970s to develop a naval & maritime museum on Charleston Harbor with the World War II aircraft carrier, USS YORKTOWN as its centerpiece. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum serves as a national destination of excellence for the preservation and education of current and future generations about America’s history, traditions and values.

Unfortunately, we got a late start and did not arrive at the Point until 10:30 am. The parking lot was just abut full and the temperature was now in the 90’s. But what the hey, we were here and determined to see as much as we could.

The two main attractions at the point are: The USS Yorktown and the USS Laffey. Each ship is just jam full of things to see and experience. Our goal today was to see the USS Yorktown from bow to stern. I figured it would take about 3 to 4 hours to take it all in.

Time now to go visit the USS Yorktown. But first there was the walk in front of us

down the pier to the USS Yorktown. However, as we were just about to start out we discovered that there was a shuttle service to the ship. Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy! Now, I know for some that walk would have been a hop, skip and a jump and I’m sure we could have made it, but we were not about to refuse the gracious offer of a ride. Not in the prevailing heat of the day.

Finally, onboard the carrier it was time for a quick history lesson.

The USS Yorktown was the the tenth U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier and was named after a prior carrier of the same name that was lost at the Battle of Midway. She was christened on January 15, 1943

and transited the Panama Canal and headed out into the Pacific in July 1943.

It was during her time in the Pacific that the USS Yorktown earned the nickname The Fighting Lady. She was part of one of the largest carrier to carrier battles of World War II.

Her time in the Pacific finished the Yorktown returned home having been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (issued for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy) and eleven battle stars (commendations issued for meritorious participation in battle) for service during World War II.

So, how did this mighty carrier end up in Charlestown, SC? The carrier was decommissioned in June, 1970 and was placed in mothballs in Bayonne, NJ. In 1975 it was towed to Charlestown to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point.

Time now to go exploring throughout the ship.

The USS Yorktown offers access to the following places: living and working spaces; the engine room; the hanger bays; the flight deck and the bridge; the wardroom; and, the catapult room. In addition there were plenty of aircraft to visit. Of course, to access all areas would mean a whole lot of walking and a whole lot of going up and coming down some steep steps.

So off we went. We first went to

flight deck. This was the first and probably the only time I will ever stand on the deck of an aircraft carrier. It is enormous, yet small in comparison to the carriers of today. Yet, standing there I was overwhelmed by the thought of all those who took off from this deck in defense of our countries values and freedoms. Unfortunately, some of those who left from this deck never made it back to the safety of the carrier. A vivid reminder for me that freedom is never free. It requires the courage and sacrifice of those who are willing to give their all to preserve it.

Next, it was time to tour the inside of the carrier. Let me share with you some of the places I made it to.

A place near and dear to my heart, the galley where hot meals were prepared on a regular basis. Indeed, it was here that food for 3,500 sailors was prepared day in and day out. Think about that. Maybe some of us have large family gatherings around Thanksgiving – oh maybe at most a dozen – but we’re talking about 3 meals a day for 3,500 individuals.

One of the favorites for those on board we learned was chocolate chip cookies.

And I for one got quite a kick out of seeing the mixer

they used to blend all those ingredients together. I don’t think it would quite fit on the counter of Elvira! But I do see a glass of chocolate milk and chocolate chips cookies in my future!

I next made my way to the hanger deck.

And from there it was time to start going up. Up,

to the bridge of the carrier and other parts in that vicinity. Well, as I learned when I toured other great ships of this size, there is only one way to get up there – a series of rather steep steps. So, I began the climb.

Along the way,

I passed the ready room. I spent a few minutes just sitting in one of the chairs trying to imagine what it must have been like being briefed for a mission into the teeth of the enemy. I’m sure each and every one who sat in one of these chairs never doubted that they would be successful and return without an issue. But still? I can tell you from experience that there was always that little nagging voice in the back of your head before you began a mission. You just couldn’t escape it.

I also passed the air traffic control room. It was the responsibility of those in this room to successfully launch and retrieve the planes assigned to the carrier. Regardless of the weather.

After a lot of climbing, a whole lot of climbing, I finally made it to the bridge. This is where it all happened. Those in this room carried the tremendous weight of command on their shoulders. This is where critical decisions were made, and orders were given that would decide the whole fate of the carrier.

Looking forward out of a bridge window. From here one could clearly see each aircraft as it was launched off the carrier and into battle.

Time to move on. But it was not to be. Two hours in and the heat and humidity had gotten to me. I knew I had to call it quits or they would be carrying me out and back to our car. I absolutely hated to give up so early but maybe, just maybe I’m getting a little wiser with age.

So that was our first day of sightseeing. We have friends to meet in the days ahead and maybe I can find another day to get back to Patriots Point. There is still so much to see.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.