CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Visitors to the USS Lexington Museum were treated to a historic sight Saturday as some of the most iconic World War II-era aircraft flew over the retired aircraft carrier\u2019s flight deck. <\/p>\n
The flyover was held as part of the Warbirds Over South Texas event taking place this weekend.<\/p>\n
The flyover featured several vintage aircraft similar to those used during World War II, including trainers, transports, fighters and bombers. <\/p>\n
The aircraft are also on display at the Warbirds event at the Aransas County\u2013Rockport Airport, which continues through Sunday. <\/p>\n
The free event includes vendor booths, food trucks and the opportunity to purchase rides in several of the planes, including an SNJ\/Texan, the same type of Navy advanced trainer showcased inside the Lexington\u2019s Hangar Bay II.<\/p>\n
For 11-year-old Gabriel Montoya, seeing the WWII planes flying over the ship was the highlight of his visit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really like them,\u201d he said. \u201cI think they’re awesome for coming here today to see them fly over an old World War II aircraft carrier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montoya said he\u2019s already interested in military history and enjoyed standing on the deck of a ship that served during the war.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing on the piece of history that was in the battle before and to see planes that was on here before to see them fly over,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Other visitors traveled from outside the Coastal Bend to watch the historic aircraft.<\/p>\n
Joey Thompson, who came from Goliad with his family, said he had visited the Lexington years earlier but returned Saturday specifically for the flyover.<\/p>\n
As a veteran, Thompson said seeing the aircraft pass closely over the ship was a memorable moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really neat to see,\u201d he said. \u201cThey got really close to the ship and did a nice little circle so you could see it with the tower and everything. It was a good show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thompson added that he appreciated that museum staff notified guests ahead of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey gave us plenty of warning to come up here and look at it,\u201d he said. \u201cThat was really nice of them to do on the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Warbirds exhibition at the Aransas County\u2013Rockport Airport runs through Sunday. Attendees can view historic aircraft up close and, for an additional cost, purchase flights in select warbirds.<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App. <\/a><\/p>\n