The Rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral

Following the devastating fire in April 2019, the reconstruction of Notre Dame in Paris, France has become an increasingly complicated and daunting task. While the twin towers of the cathedral survived the fire, efforts to restore the roof, spire, and stone vaulting that were lost could realistically take several decades to rebuild as they were.

There's no denying that Notre Dame Cathedral is still a stunning structure to behold, even behind the myriad of scaffolding and equipment now blocking the view. Built between 1163 and 1345, Notre Dame is regarded as one of the most recognizable buildings in Paris and a symbol of France. This was further reinforced as a billion dollars in donations poured in following the fire. 

These images showcase the state of Notre Dame as it appeared in late 2020.

 

USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier in Corpus Christi, Texas

Launched in late 1942, the USS Lexington (CV-16) is a United States Navy Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific during World War II. The ship was renamed during construction to commemorate the USS Lexington (CV-2) which was lost during the Battle of the Corral Sea. This became the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the Lexington name.   

The USS Lexington was nicknamed "the Blue Ghost" by Tokyo Rose / Japanese propaganda during the War because it was (falsely) reported sunk four times, but kept returning to battle. The ship also had a unique blue / gray paint scheme which set it apart.

Following World War II, the USS Lexington saw renewed service as an attack carrier, and later a training carrier. She was eventually decommissioned in 1991 and went on to be docked in Corpus Christi, Texas as the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay where she remains today.

Explore additional images from the flight deck of the USS Lexington here.

Corpus Christi, Texas.

Flight Deck of the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier

A few visuals of the planes and vintage military equipment on display from the flight deck of the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier docked in Corpus Christi, Texas.