Traveling America: Patriot's Point
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
By John Q. Wilson
Charleston, South Carolina has long been a popular tourist
destination. Why not? It offers an historical district of some
of the finest preserved early American homes, fabulous shopping
and restaurants, antebellum plantations, the South Carolina
Aquarium, great beaches and a temperate climate. Located just a
few minutes from the major downtown attractions, just across the
Cooper River via the striking Ravenel Bridge is Patriot’s Point.
If you’re a navel veteran or military buff, you will want to
spend a day, maybe two, at Patriot’s Point. How often do you
get the chance to wander around an aircraft carrier like the
USS Yorktown (CV-10)? Plus, they also have the Coast Guard
cutter, USCGC Inghan (WHEC-35) open for tours. Also on site is
a World War II – Korean War ear Destroyer, the USS Laffey
(DD-724). The Laffey won a Presidential Unit Citation for
action off Okinawa, April 16, 1945. Also available for touring
is the USS Clamagore (SS-343). The Clamagore is diesel
submarine constructed near the end of World War II but arrived
too late to see action. Until it was replaced with a fleet of
nuclear submarines and decommissioned in 1975 and, it was a
front line submarine during the Cold War.
If you’re coming to Charleston for a visit then the USS
Yorktown is a must see. Looming on the horizon just across the
harbor from the Charleston historical district, it is hard to
miss. From downtown Charleston it is a quick trip up East Bay
Street to the Ravenel Bridge – the view from the top is
amazing. Stay in the right lane – there are a bunch of them on
this new bridge and the first main street to the right leads to
Patriot’s Point.
The Yorktown alone is a full day if you try to see it all in
one bite. Be sure to wear your walking shoes. There is a lot to
see but there are narrow steps and tight quarters. If you have
trouble walking, climbing narrow stairs or you’re
claustrophobic, this may not be the attraction for you. They
have done an excellent job with signage and there are tons of
historic pictures of the “The Fighting Lady” and her
predecessor the CV-5 which was sunk in the Battle of Midway but
not before it helped destroy the bulk of the Japanese fleet in
the Pacific – including 4 of their 6 aircraft carriers. The
Battle of Midway likely shortened the war in the Pacific by at
least one year, maybe two.
The USS Yorktown that resides at Patriot’s Point is the CV-10.
It was under construction at the Newport News Shipbuilding &
Drydock Co. at the time of the sinking of the CV-5 it was
originally was going to be named the “Bon Homme Richard.” With
the loss of the CV-5, it was decided to rename the ship the USS
Yorktown. It played a major role in World War II, the Korean War
and the War in Vietnam. The USS Yorktown is the oldest aircraft
carrier still afloat.
Inside the Yorktown is the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum
which is currently being remodeled. If it is open when you
visit, do not miss this exhibit. It is both moving and
inspiring. Also on the hanger deck is a mock up of the Apollo 8
spacecraft that was pulled from the ocean by the aircraft
carrier. Astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell and William
Anders were the first humans to orbit around the Moon. On
January 3, 1969 they were on the cover of Time magazine as “Men
of the Year.” Also on the hanger deck is a flight simulator that
allows you to land a space shuttle.
Throughout the ship you can get glimpses of what daily life on
an aircraft carrier was like. From bunks to mess halls, from
the engine room to navigation, from the laundry to the
infirmary, it is all open for touring. The beauty of the self
guided tour is that you can set your own pace. One suggestion,
don’t move too quickly and fight the urge to skip sections.
Tucked in unusual corners are some really interesting displays.
For example, deep in the bowels of the great ship is an
interesting display of the Charleston shipyard and dry dock.
The real crowd pleaser of the USS Yorktown is the flight deck.
On the flight deck is a collection of 25 different airplanes
and helicopters including: an A-4 Skyhawk, an A-6 Intruder, an
A-7 Corsair, an F-4 Phantom, an F-9 Cougar, and an F-14 Tomcat
– the recently retired fighter made famous by Tom Cruise in
“Top Gun.” Bring your camera for this stop. Not only are the
aircraft interesting, the views of Charleston just across the
bay and the Ravenel Bridge are spectacular.
Note: it can be quite windy on the flight deck and it may feel
10 degrees colder than the Mt. Pleasant shoreline. Dress
accordingly.
If that not enough history for you, from Patriot’s Point in Mt.
Pleasant you can also take a boat tour of Ft. Sumter – the place
the American Civil War began. There is also a recreation of a
Vietnam era base station to tour.
Patriot’s Point also features an 18 hole professional golf
course and some nice accommodations. Plus it is only a few
minutes from Shem Creek and some of the best seafood
restaurants not only in Mt. Pleasant but in the entire country.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant SC 29464-4377
1-866-831-1720 (toll free)
About The Author:
Written by John Q. Wilson, author of the
www.mtpleasantguide.com and
www.yourwestashleyguide.com.
