The USS Lexington: A Brief History
The USS Lexington, a Yorktown-class aircraft carrier, was laid down on May 7, 1925, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia. She was commissioned into service on May 14, 1927, and spent her early years operating primarily along the East Coast of the United States.
As tensions escalated with Japan, the Lexington was deployed to the Pacific Theater in October 1941, serving as a key component of the United States Pacific Fleet. Her presence helped to deter Japanese aggression, but it also placed her at the forefront of potential conflict.
In early May 1942, Japanese forces intended to capture the strategic island of Port Moresby in New Guinea and secure the Coral Sea between Australia and New Guinea. The American response was led by Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher, who assembled a task force comprising the Lexington, three cruisers, and six destroyers.
On May 7, 1942, the Battle of the Coral Sea began, marking the first major naval battle fought solely between aircraft carriers. The Lexington played a crucial role in this engagement, launching waves of Douglas SBD Dauntless bombers and Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters to attack Japanese ships.
The intense combat resulted in significant damage to the Lexington, including a bomb hit that penetrated her hangar deck, causing fires and explosions. Despite these setbacks, the carrier remained operational, continuing to provide air support until she was forced to withdraw from the battle. The Lexington’s bravery and sacrifice at Coral Sea marked a turning point in the war, as it thwarted Japanese plans and demonstrated the effectiveness of American naval aviation.
The Battle of Coral Sea
The Japanese forces, led by Admiral Shigeyoshi Inoue, had been planning to capture Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea for months. Their intention was to use this strategic location as a stepping stone to attack Australia and cut off supply lines between the United States and its allies in the Pacific.
In response to this threat, the US Navy sent a task force, including the USS Lexington (CV-2), under the command of Admiral Frank J. Fletcher, to intercept the Japanese fleet and prevent them from reaching Port Moresby.
On May 7, 1942, the Lexington encountered the Japanese forces in the Coral Sea, approximately 100 miles northeast of Australia. The Japanese aircraft carrier Shōhō was already damaged by US planes, and Inoue’s intention was to use her as a bait to lure out the American carriers.
At around 10:00 AM, Lexington’s scouting plane spotted the Japanese fleet and alerted Fletcher, who immediately ordered his pilots to launch their aircraft. The Lexington’s fighter planes were scrambled first, followed by its bomber squadrons. Meanwhile, the Japanese aircraft took off from their carriers, led by Admiral Inoue on board the Shōkaku.
The American planes engaged the enemy at around 11:00 AM, and intense dogfighting ensued. During this battle, the Lexington’s aircraft scored several hits on the Shōhaku, but not before it had launched its own attack on the American carriers. The USS Lexington was struck by multiple bombs from Japanese aircraft, causing significant damage to her flight deck and hangar.
Despite the damage, the Lexington remained operational, and her pilots continued to engage the enemy until their fuel ran out. The subsequent battle marked a turning point in the war at sea, as it prevented the Japanese from capturing Port Moresby and forced them to withdraw their forces from the Coral Sea.
The Sinking of the USS Lexington
As the damage from the Japanese attacks became too severe, the USS Lexington began to list badly to port. The crew’s efforts to save her were in vain, and at 2:46 pm on May 8, 1942, she slipped beneath the waves, taking over 200 men with her.
The final moments on board were a scene of chaos and heroism. Many sailors fought to escape the sinking ship, while others remained behind to help those still trapped or injured. Lieutenant Commander Edward H. O’Hare, who had been gravely wounded earlier in the battle, managed to crawl out of his cabin one last time to assist in the evacuation.
Despite their bravery, not everyone was able to escape. The ship’s captain, Frederick C. Sherman, went down with his vessel, as did many other officers and crew members. Their sacrifice would never be forgotten, and it served as a testament to the unwavering courage of those who served on the USS Lexington.
The loss of the carrier sent shockwaves through the US Navy, and its impact was felt deeply by all who had sailed with her. Those who survived were left to grapple with the trauma of their experience, while also mourning the loss of their comrades.
Aftermath and Investigation
The recovery efforts for the USS Lexington began immediately after its sinking. The Japanese Navy dispatched vessels to collect debris and salvage what they could from the wreckage, including valuable aircraft and equipment. American forces also played a role in the recovery process, sending submarines and destroyers to scour the area for any remaining survivors or wreckage.
In the days following the sinking, an investigation was launched by the US Navy to determine the cause of the tragedy. The inquiry concluded that a combination of factors contributed to the loss of the Lexington, including poor visibility, inadequate communication, and insufficient air defenses. Specifically, it was found that the ship’s radar systems were not functioning properly, leading to a delayed response to the Japanese attack.
The investigation also highlighted the heroism displayed by the crew during the battle, who fought valiantly despite being heavily outnumbered. The report praised the bravery of individual sailors and officers, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their ship.
The findings and recommendations resulting from this inquiry had significant implications for naval operations during World War II. They led to changes in radar technology and communication protocols, as well as the development of new air defense strategies. The tragedy also served as a reminder of the importance of situational awareness and effective command decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
The USS Lexington’s sinking had far-reaching implications for military strategy and tactics, influencing naval engagements throughout World War II. The tragedy highlighted the importance of effective communication and coordination between ships in a fleet. In the aftermath of the incident, the US Navy emphasized the need for clear and concise reporting of ship locations, speeds, and intentions to prevent similar disasters.
The investigation into the sinking also led to significant changes in naval operations. For example, the Navy introduced the concept of “situation reports” (SITREPs) to ensure that all ships in a fleet were aware of each other’s positions and movements. This measure improved situational awareness and helped prevent accidents like the USS Lexington’s sinking from happening again. The lessons learned from this tragedy were not limited to naval operations. The incident also emphasized the importance of crew training, maintenance, and morale. The Navy recognized that well-trained and motivated crews were essential for preventing human error, which had contributed to the sinking.
By commemorating the USS Lexington’s sinking, the US Navy has ensured that these lessons are not forgotten. Today, the legacy of this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, communication, and preparedness in naval operations. The ongoing significance of this event is a testament to the enduring value of learning from our mistakes and improving our performance over time.
The sinking of the USS Lexington serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. The tragic loss of life and the devastating consequences it had on the crew’s families and loved ones are still remembered today. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in history, we honor the memories of those who served and pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.