Lady Lexington on the Bay Museum Association
Corpus Christi Texas
Date of Service: 02/2002 — 03/05
Project Description:
Upon retirement from active service, the USS Lexington (affectionately referred to as the “Lady Lex”) was made available by the U.S. Navy to be used as a naval maritime museum, and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas.
In November of 2001, the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office inspected the USS Lexington, and made several recommendations to improve the fire protection and life safety of the museum. One of those recommendations directed the museum association to retain the services of a nationally recognized fire protection engineering firm (with experience in special structures and marine fire and life-safety) to conduct a life-safety evaluation of the USS Lexington. Protection Development, Incorporated (then dba Cochrane and Associates) was selected to perform this very important evaluation.
Over a five (5) month period, the PDI team evaluated twenty-seven (27) identified evaluation elements. The goal was to make recommendations to assure that the Museum offered a “reasonable degree of safety”. PDI produced a 196-page report that “struck a balance” between the need to provide for fire protection and life safety, as well as preserve the historic features of this famous World War II aircraft carrier.
As a result of the in-depth evaluation, PDI provided design of automatic sprinkler protection for a portion of the hangar deck and an evaluation of the existing fire pumps. This phase of the project required an extensive analysis of the available water supply as well as consideration for the unique features this project. Construction administration services were also provided to ensure the contractor’s installation met the design requirements and utilized good workmanship and best industry practices