[dragoon500ly]

Have't considered the mounting of weapons on the Lex...but she is a Hancock-class. SO!!!!

She still carried the galleries that supported her 5in/38s, the platforms are mounted on each of her quarters. The reinforced positions for her twin 5-inchs are still available fore and aft of her island. The twin mounts weighed in at 120,000lbs each (4 mounts) and each of the four deck edge platforms mounted two single 5inchs, that weighed 33,100lbs each. SO! If the Lexington was to be brought back into service...the single 5-inch 38 mount is available from any of the older cruisers, not to mention through the military assistance program....twin 3-inch/50 Mk33 mounts are still stored in available as well. Not to mention a variety of 40mm, 20mm and 12.7mm weapons.

Lex is fitted with four steam turbines, which at at their peak, gave the ship a maximum speed of 33 knots. They have seen a lot of wear and tear, in spite of several rebuilds. Most recent sources hint at a more realistic speed of perhaps 25+ knots. Enough fuel is carried to give her a range of 15,000 nautical miles at an average speed of 15 knots.

The original air group was 70-80 aircraft (World War Two). During the Vietnam War, the air group was 40-50. Since the A-4 fleet has been stripped and dismantled, it is possible that a squadron of AV-8Bs and a squadron of SH-2/SH-60 ASW helos could be carried.

The biggest drawback would be the reactivation of the aircraft maintenance facilites and the welding of the portside deck elevator into place. Of the two, the elevator would have the greatest impact, frankly, I have no idea just how much time and effort would be required to cut it free and restore it to full operation.