Our family on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown!

Whenever we have an opportunity to go to Charleston we try to pick at least one historical adventure to go on as a family.  One of our recent trips to Charleston we decided to spend a good chunk of the day at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum touring the U.S.S. Yorktown.  When we got the tickets the day before they said to plan on being there at least 2 to 3 hours, we spent over 6 hours going through the U.S.S. Yorktown, U.S.S Laffey, and the U.S.S. Clamagore.  The kids had a blast and it was a wonderful learning activity for all of us.  Makes us appreciate the men and women who serve our country even more.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – U.S.S. Yorktown

Of course, they had to check out the cannon!

Ready to explore Patriots Point in Charleston

The day started off overcast and bright, but thankfully we were still able to do everything and were back inside the ship when it was pouring.

Brina in the cockpit!

Karlie ready to fly the plane!

Soaking it all in….

Big guns!

Anything relating to space captivates Karlie’s attention!

We all did the blast off to the Moon Simulation together, so much fun!

Learning more about D-Day

Pilots are ready for their orders and paying attention…..ha!

Karlie looking through the wing of the airplane!

Learning how to work the different pieces.

Karlie walking with Jake and asking him a bundle of questions about the various planes on the flight deck.

That blade is huge Brina!

Brina found a spot under the wing with a good breeze on the warm muggy day!

Checking out another plane!

Brina all smiles!

I think I recognize those two on the other side of the port hole!

Yes, they are sitting in the captains chair!

Look at that Handsome Man on the other side of the port hole!

Karlie giving out orders to the pilots.  She looks like a tough commander!

Brina ringing the bell!

The Medal of Honor Museum was amazing!  They had a cool interactive display as you walked in that lit up with a variety of shots from the wars (pictured above).

What the Army, Navy, and Air Force Medals of Honor look like.  A Medal of Honor is given by the President, in the name of Congress, to a member of the military who distinguishes themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of losing their own life.  They go beyond the call of duty.  The act must be one of bravery or self-sacrifice.  The youngest person to ever receive a Medal of Honor was William Johnston, age 12.  In 1862 during the Peninsula Campaign many men were taking off their equipment so they had less to carry and could retreat faster.  William (also known as “Willie”) was the only drummer boy to bring his drum off the battlefield.

U.S.S. Yorktown