Boy Scout Troop 807 (chartered to Riverside Church of Christ, Coppell) recently spent a weekend onboard the USS Lexington, a decommissioned WWII aircraft carrier. Through the ship's "Live Aboard" program, scouts slept in sailors' bunks, ate in the Junior Officer's Mess Hall, and explored the many facets of the ship day and night. The beautifully preserved "Museum on the Bay" included everything a commissioned aircraft carrier would have had: from a barber shop and medical ward to the machine shop and the massive engine room. 

Upon arrival Saturday, November 21, the troop was introduced to the militaristic framework for their visit. Hands in pockets, shirts untucked, and the use of "Huh?" "What?" and "Yeah" were invitations to undergo an exercise in Navy-style pushups. The “Captain” of the Lexington instructed scouts upon arrival to “look at your adult leaders one more time.” He said, “Once you step on the ship, they do not exist. You will be lead solely by your Senior Patrol Leader (SPL).” 

Chow was served at 1800 (military time), and all 400+ scouts from various troops gathered for Evening Colors at 1900, at the stage in the center of Hangar Bay 2. This special ceremony was designed to honor "Team America" (the 5 branches of our military), and retell a history of this great nation through our flags. Nine scouts from Troop 807 were specially selected to wield these symbols of honor: Michael Blake guarded Old Glory, James Halpin the POW/MIA flag, Connor Manning the Coast Guard flag, Matt Freese the Air Force flag, Ricky Alexander the Navy flag, Dylan Airey the Marine Corps flag, Josh Martin the Army flag, Austin Engler the "Betsy Ross" flag, and Jacob Vance carried the original "Don't Tread On Me" flag. That evening scouts snoozed in original WWII bunks, which many viewed as surprisingly comfortable. 

Reveille at 0645 the next morning marked the beginning of a long, yet enjoyable day of exploration. After Morning Colors and chow, scouts exited the Lexington just as the museum was opening to the general public. They spent the majority of the afternoon on the Corpus Christi beach or at the Texas State Aquarium, a truly remarkable museum. Scouts enjoyed dolphin shows, an interactive stingray tank, and even a “birds of prey” exhibit. The evening brought a return to the Lexington, which carried only 50 passengers the second night. Troop 807 viewed the IMAX film “Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag” in the ship’s 3-story tall “MEGA Theater.” In addition to unprecedented private access to the museum, various tours and activities were crafted for the Scouts on a moonlit flight deck by a resident sailor aboard the Lexington. Scouts shipped out the next morning.

At the request of the SPL, scouts brought toys on the trip for the Lexington’s "Toy for Tots" drive. In total, the troop donated over 40 gifts to children that may otherwise have had an empty Christmas tree.

In retrospect, the scouts learned a great deal about the incredible debt we all owe our veterans. This trip could not be more fitting than to occur immediately prior to Thanksgiving. Larry Blake (a seasoned scout leader in 807) dictates the troop’s thoughts precisely, “Spending the weekend on the USS Lexington made me realize how much we owe the sailors and soldiers who fought for our freedoms during WWII and other combat missions. These were generations of ordinary men and women who acted extraordinarily under extreme conditions. We have the freedom today to live our lives as we wish, because these citizens defended our country from those who would have destroy our liberties and us. We cannot thank them enough.”