Bringing around the departure of the 74 Lexington-bound ROTC kids, Sept. 19 marked the annual trip to the aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington, docked in Corpus Christi. Led by Lt. Colonel Wayne Wilbanks, the ROTC students boarded the buses and began the seven hour drive to the retired ship.

“The ride was long but it was fun hanging out with everyone,” Cadet Emma Rick said.

Once at the Lexington, the ROTC kids were introduced to the ways of ship life and experienced the routine of a soldier the three days they were there.

“We slept on ship and ate, showered and woke up just how they did and we were expected to follow ship rules,” Cadet Ashley Henagin said.

Called the Blue Ghost, the Lexington supposedly sunk during World War II but reappeared in a battle soon after. It is now said that the ship is haunted.

“It was great seeing the faces of the kids during the Lexington crew’s Ghost Story presentation,” Wilbanks said.

The Lexington trip allows the incoming freshmen and new recruits a chance to get to know the other cadets and vice versa.

“My favorite part was meeting the first years,” Henagin said.

From scavenger hunts around the ship, to visiting the Corpus Christi Art Museum, the cadets enjoy not only the ship but also the Navy and Coast Guard bases nearby.

“We went to a Coast Guard base, where we looked at a rescue helicopter and talked to a rescue swimmer,” Mavis said.

The Lexington field trip gives the ROTC members an opportunity to learn more about the American Armed forces and what serving entails.

“This trip is not only a team building and morale boost for our kids but the cadets get to experience a little of what it was like to be on a ship and see the amount of pride that goes along with being a member of America’s Armed Services,” Wilbanks said.