Oftentimes, people travel to Charleston to immerse themselves in its rich history. They stroll along Rainbow Row, tour historic homes, and walk the cobblestone streets. But you hardly ever hear anyone mention driving just fifteen minutes farther north to Mount Pleasant to explore one of the most remarkable pieces of American naval history: the USS Yorktown. Resting proudly across the Cooper River this massive aircraft carrier quietly holds stories worth hearing.
The Making of “The Fighting Lady”
The USS Yorktown (CV-10), known as “The Fighting Lady,” is an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served the United States Navy for decades. Commissioned in April 1943 during World War II, she quickly became part of major operations in the Pacific Theater, including campaigns in the Marshalls, Marianas, Philippines, and Okinawa. Even after suffering battle damage, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) continued forward. The ship earned 11 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. The nickname “The Fighting Lady” reflects not only her strength in combat but also the determination and bravery of the thousands of servicemen who called her home.
Serving Through War, Peace, and Space Exploration
After World War II, Yorktown continued serving through the Cold War. She was updated to support jet aircraft and later participated in anti-submarine and Vietnam-era operations. In 1968, she played a role in recovering NASA’s Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon. After being decommissioned in 1970, the ship found a new purpose at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where visitors today can walk through her decks and experience her history firsthand.
Finding Adventures Between Cities
When traveling to South Carolina with my closest friend, we searched for experiences between Murrells Inlet and Charleston that would add something unique to our trip. While Charleston offers many great tours, something about stepping aboard an actual aircraft carrier felt more exciting. Mount Pleasant sat perfectly between our destinations, making it an easy stop along our route. We spent the morning exploring Charleston before finding out way to something we would never forget: the USS Yorktown Ghost Tour.
Where History Feels Alive After Dark
Today, visitors board the ship daily to step into the world of heroes that came before. Some people prefer daytime tours to truly absorb the ship’s history, while others, like myself and my friend, opted in for the evening experience to see a different side of the vessel. We chose the nighttime ghost tour because it fit best into our schedule, but also, because there is something undeniably compelling about walking the decks of a historic warship after dark.
The USS Yorktown (CV-10) Ghost Tour lasts approximately ninety minutes. Guests explore multiple decks and restricted areas after dark. The tour also includes steep stairwells and narrow passageways, making it inaccessible for handicapped visitors. Since parts of the ship can become warm, bottled water is recommended during summer months. Fortunately, tours operate rain or shine.
Exploring Deck by Deck
Arriving about fifteen minutes early as requested by the tour agency at 40 Patriots Point Road in Mount Pleasant, you immediately see the ship glowing in front of you. It is hard not to pause and take in the history that surrounds you. As the tour begins, the guide shares safety instructions and provides expectations for the evening. One important reminder: if you arrive late, the tour will proceed without you.
As you step aboard, the guide will begin digging into the deep history of the USS Yorktown with storytelling. The tour moves through kitchens, dining spaces, and medical offices. Each area offers a glimpse into sailors’ daily lives.. On the hangar deck, you may even have the opportunity to sit inside the cockpit of an F9F Cougar jet, as I did. Nearby, you will find a cannon that still bears visible marks of its past, a silent reminder of the ship’s wartime service.
Beneath the Night Sky on the Flight Deck
Eventually, the tour leads to the flight deck which was my personally favorite part of the ship. Under the night sky, you will walk past various aircrafts such as the F/A-18A Hornet (painted in Blue Angels colors), the SH-3G Sea King helicopter, and the Grumman F-14A Tomcat which is famously associated with Top Gun.
As this is the final major stop of the evening, you will slowly descend the stairs to exit the ship, where I recommend reflecting on the thousands of servicemen who once walked those same steps and the weight of the history the ship has carried.
History That Lingers
Throughout the tour, the guide shares stories not only of the ship’s heroic past but also of unexplained experiences reported by visitors and staff. Guests have described hearing footsteps in empty hallways, sensing sudden drops in temperature, or seeing shadows move in the distance. The USS Yorktown has even been featured on the television show Ghost Hunters, where investigators explored the ship and reported unexplained activity.
Whether one believes in the paranormal or not, the atmosphere alone is unforgettable. Walking through dim passageways, hearing the echo of metal stairs beneath your feet, and standing on the darkened flight deck creates an experience that feels both historic and mysterious. For some, it is simply a unique way to explore naval history. For others, it may be a chance to encounter something more.
References and Further Reading
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. “USS Yorktown (CV-10).” Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.patriotspoint.org/things-to-do/uss-yorktown/
Naval History and Heritage Command. “USS Yorktown (CV-10).” Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.history.navy.mil/
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). “Apollo 8 Recovery.” Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.nasa.gov/
National Park Service. “USS Yorktown (CV-10).” National Historic Landmark Summary Listing. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.nps.gov/
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