Lexington (CV 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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with Lexs Marine Detachment being employed as one of the initial landing forces in the Tokyo area. Air Group 94 flew countless hours over the coastal waters and Japanese home islands during this period, including September 2, when the historic unconditional surrender of Japan was formally accomplished aboard AdmiralHal- seyls flagship .Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Lexington is planes continued dropping supplies to concentration camps until September 4, meet- ing no hostile aircraft or other signs that every- thing wasn't perfectly secure. On the afternoon of September 5, 1945, the flattop set a precedent for heavy 'carriers by steaming into Tokyo Bay, her crew proudly lining the rails in the hallowed Navy tradition. With the exception of a break for rest and re- plenishment, September 27- October 7, Lexington remained in the waters of Tokyo Bay and vicin- ity until December 3, when, carrying a number of military personnel Mguestsn awaiting dis- charge, she set a course for the United States. Upon arrival at San Francisco twelve days later, her passengers debarked, along with many crew- men slated for separation or taking advantage of long-awaited leave. In addition, 18 officers and 249 of her men were detached, being replaced by only 95 for peacetime Navy duty. To prove she could make history when there wasn't even a war going on, Lexington intro- duced HProject Pinwheelw on October 28, 1945. Two rows of planes, six per row were securely lashed facing inboard on the forward and after ends of the flight deck, alternate banks of planes were then turned up Qapplied with full powerj to give a turning torque to the ship. It was found this would swing her to starboard or port as de- sired at a rate of fifteen degrees per minute. Along with many other combatants which had served so gallantly, Lexington was scheduled for The tradition of painting symbols on tlie side of the carriers island structure to indicate enemy airerai destroyed grew up earbf in the war. Here, a pilot adds fajaanese flags in May of 1944. it if

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