The USS Yorktown (CV-10), nicknamed the "Fighting Lady," was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1970. Renamed from the Bonhomme Richard to honor the carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) lost at the Battle of Midway, she participated in major campaigns of the Pacific War, earning 11 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. After the war, she served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, conducted atomic testing, and recovered the Apollo 8 crew. Today, Yorktown is a museu

The Grumman F6F Hellcat is fundamentally linked to the USS Yorktown (CV-10), having made its combat debut from this carrier in 1943. Today, a restored Hellcat is a centerpiece of the aircraft collection on the museum ship at Patriots Point in South Carolina. Historical Significance on CV-10 Combat Debut: The F6F Hellcat entered operational combat for the first time on August 31, 1943, during a raid on Marcus Island launched from the USS Yorktown. First Landing: Commander James “Jimmy” Flatley ma