Anchored in the Charleston Harbor, the USS Yorktown is more than a World War II aircraft carrier, it’s a living classroom of history, honor, and adventure. Through the Operation Overnight program, students from across the country step aboard the “Fighting Lady” for a one-of-a-kind opportunity: to sleep in the same bunks, walk the same decks, and discover the same spirit of valor and teamwork that defined the sailors who once served here.
From the views of the flight deck to the depths of the engine room, participants explore every corner of this floating city. Along the way, they pass through officer’s country, the sick bay, the torpedo room, and even a cobbler’s shop, so they can see what life was like aboard in World War II.
In the evenings, teachers can choose activities such as a scavenger hunt, life-sized games in the hangar bay, a WWII-themed movie, or even a peaceful sunset on the flight deck.
This year, the program features exciting new additions and optional add-ons. Step into the past on an Operation Overnight–exclusive ghost tour, where you’ll hear heroic tales of servicemen alongside the spooky legends of the ship. Aviation fans can start the day with “Wings and Things,” an early-morning tour of the aircraft on our decks before the museum opens. For middle and high school groups ready to reach new heights, the Flight Academy program offers a hands-on crash course in the science and math behind the thrill of flying.
Before departure, teachers are invited to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee on the hangar bay outside the overnight office. Breakfast follows in the Chief Petty Officer’s Galley, where students and educators eat in the same space sailors once did. Once gear is packed back onto the bus, groups are welcome to continue exploring the ship or set off for their next adventure.
By the end of their stay, students leave with more than just knowledge— they carry with them stories of sacrifice, memories of camaraderie, and a deeper respect for the sailors who shaped history. As Jeffrey Simpson of Liberty Middle School shared, “We really enjoyed our trip again this year. The kids loved it. I think it will be a core memory for many of them.”
Operation Overnight is a chance to step into the shoes of those who served and to see history not as words in a textbook, but as a lived reality. Students return home with a sense of pride, perspective, and connection to a generation that safeguarded freedom. For teachers, it’s an opportunity to inspire curiosity and character beyond the classroom walls. And for every participant, it is an experience that will echo long after they leave the decks of the Fighting Lady.