USS LEXINGTON Former Crew Member

Name: Paccione, Michael Anthony

Service Dates: 12/1967 - 7/1971

Rank/Duty Assigned: Fireman

Description:
Worked in both No.1 & No. 3 Fire-rooms.
#1 Fire-room I worked for BT1st Class Williams & #3 Fire-room for Henry Henderson.
I was onboard for our retro in Norfolk in 1978 (not sure of the month) Jacksonville, Boston Dry-dock and the fire that started in #I Fire room, Rumor had it a Yardbird was careless with a torch during demo and the rest is history. Our Shake-down in Gitmo after the Lexington was released from Boston. Oh can forget our visit to the Mobile Ala. shipyard for retro. then there was flight -Ops lots and lots of flight ops. Best memory was when the Lexington was in New Orleans for Mardi Gras I believe that was in 1971. I was also board for our 250,00 landing, an the NAVY throw a celebration.
I cherish my memories of my time in the Navy and The Lexington both helped a kid from NYC to grow up to be a man. Made a lot of great friends some I still keep in touch with some.