I’m just back home after a week long vacation to Charleston, SC. My wife would probably go on about the architecture, the awesome food or the perfect weather we had. But we all know the real point is military history!
Lucky for me, my wife was a good sport about giving me one full day at Patriot’s Point, home of the USS Yorktown and USS Laffey. We also did the afternoon excursion out to Fort Sumter.
A view of Charleston from Fort Sumter. The fort was badly damaged during the Civil War; it was later repaired, but only the first level, two levels above were lost. In an 1890s modernization the black structure I’m standing on was added. It held a battery of 2 12 inch guns in disappearing mounts. For World War II nerds that’s the same sort of fortification used in the Manila Bay defenses. The guns are long gun, but the structure is interesting.
The USS Yorktown, CV10. This is the oldest aircraft carrier still in existence (Barely, the Intrepid, CV11, is also a museum).
Model of the Yorktown in World War II configuration.
Model of the IJN Soryu as it appeared at Midway. The museum was loaded with excellent models.
Douglass SBD Dauntless.
Grumman F4F-3A Wildcat.
Vought F4U-1D Corsair.
Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat.
A favorite part of the exhibits to me was that they had a couple of older variants (-3A Wildcat and -3 Hellcat). It is a fascinating look into so many areas of a wartime aircraft carrier, from living quarters, dentist office to engine room.
And don’t forget the CMH display and the USS Laffey (the ship that survived seven kamikaze strikes).
A highly recommended way to spend a day!
Plane Dave 