AFJROTC took two charter buses on their annual weekend field trip to the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas Sept. 18.

“The trip helped to further build bonds between First Year and returning cadets, build esprit de corps, and learn the history of the World War II aircraft carrier’s service to our country,” Seargent Lisa Breuer said.

The Live Aboard Program gjves cadets an opportunity to sleep in actual crew quarters, receive their meals in the galley, tour the ship and participate in flag ceremonies.

“My favorite part of the tour on the Lexington was the chapel,” First Year Cadet Chris Harris said.

The group visited the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi where they were briefed by Dolphin HH-65 Helicopter pilots and crew members of the CASA 144 Airplane. They also toured both types of fixed wing aircraft, and witnessed pre-flight operations checks and a helicopter take off.

“As Returners are in separate classes from the new cadets, I enjoyed getting to talk to the First Year Cadets throughout the trip,” senior Damien Lopez said.

The crew circled the hanger and with the helo’s side door open, the on board Flight Mechanic waved to the Wylie East group before departing the area.

Another tour stop was the Art Museum of South Texas, which is affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

“I enjoyed examining the paintings at the art museum,” returning Cadet Alisa Wychulis said.

The museum featured works of various mediums and included a touring exhibit from the private collection of Cheech Marin, the famous comedian and actor.

After returning to the USS Lexington for a second night of onboard activities, the cadets viewed a 3D movie on NASA’s post shuttle space exploration, the Orion spacecraft, which is designed to carry astronauts to destinations in deep space, including an asteroid and Mars. Seniors received a special tour of the ship, courtesy of the Live Aboard staff.

“The senior tour was the best part of the trip in my opinion.  One may overlook items in the various tour route displays, but having an expert guide you through parts of the ship not accessible to the public was great,” Richard Overturf said.

On Saturday, the group visited the U.S. Coast Guard’s sector/Air Station Corpus Christi. They were approached by pilots and crew members the CASA 144 Airplane, toured both types of wing aircraft, and saw pre-flight operations and a helicopter take off. The crew circled the hanger with door open and waved to Wylie East group. Another tour was the Art Museum of South Texas, which is affiliated with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

“I really enjoyed examining the paintings at the art museum” said returning Cadet Alisa Wychulis.

Seniors received a special tour of the ship, courtesy of the life board staff. Their tour was going throughout ship. Seeing parts of parts that were not accessible to public.

“As returners are in a separate classes from the new Cadets at Wylie east, I enjoyed getting to talk to the First Year Cadets throughout the ship,” said Senior Damien Lopez.