The USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier Museum in New York

History of creation

Intrepid: The Favorite Spot of Famous American Marines. Almost certainly visited by their relatives and friends, and these experienced veterans wouldn't recommend a subpar military museum. Essentially, the place doesn't have a long history. The museum spontaneously emerged at Pier 86 on the Hudson River, West Side. It started with the namesake aircraft carrier USS Intrepid from World War II. In the USSR, this ship was known as "The Intrepid," causing a significant stir across the Pacific.

The aircraft carrier had a rather complex structure and was equipped with the most modern technology of its time. Its construction alone took over two years: 42,000 tons and 273 meters of power, 25 meters in height, 10-centimeter-thick armor all around, and 150,000 horsepower underneath. Nearly 3,000 people served on the carrier at once. The Intrepid was launched in the spring of 1943, and since then, the answer to "Who's the toughest?" was clear. Americans have never been prouder.

Saving Private Intrepid

Throughout its service, Intrepid endured six attacks by Japanese aircraft, five of which were kamikaze strikes. Almost every incident required major repairs, yet the ship returned to service time and again. Intrepid participated in the Cuban blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. It was even used for NASA space missions — acting as a recovery vessel for capsules that landed in the ocean.

This rich history took its toll, and in 1974, the vessel was decommissioned from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Originally, the USS Intrepid was to be dismantled at naval military bases, as the decommissioning of its classified equipment was mandatory. Moreover, its maintenance cost the government millions of dollars annually. Senators argued that such expenses could only be justified by the onset of a third world war; in any other scenario, the giant was to be dismantled as per regulations.

Then, military journalist Michael Stern decided to involve the public. He called on all willing parties to unite and find a way to preserve the USS Intrepid as a national treasure. The enthusiasts' resources and funds were limited, but those of millionaire Zachary Fisher were ample.

From 1974 to 1982, the ship underwent the dismantling of classified equipment and fittings, disarmament, and restoration. Afterward, it was moored at Pier 46 on Manhattan’s 46th Street and opened to the public as a museum exhibit.

What to See on the Intrepid

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, as the name implies, is packed with various military technology, all located on the aircraft carrier itself.

• Most of the exhibition consists of aircraft. Fighters like the Tomcat, Falcon, Phantom, and Tiger, the subsonic Demon, bombers like the Avenger and Harrier, and the supersonic CIA reconnaissance jet Lockheed… Plus, there are several helicopters such as the Bell Super Cobra and Sikorsky, which are in service with the U.S. Coast Guard. And that's only half of it.
• The museum also includes Intrepid's battle companion, the submarine USS Growler. Even if you visit on a "closed" day, just the external appearance is intimidating enough. But the biggest highlight of the museum is the space shuttle Enterprise. To accommodate it, the museum had to sacrifice three aircraft because there simply might not have been enough space otherwise. Its transportation and installation were a special operation.
• The Intrepid Museum serves not just as an entertainment venue. For instance, during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, an emergency FBI headquarters was set up on the decks of the aircraft carrier. So, this is a site of great importance to New York to this day.

A tour of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of naval forces and space exploration. American Butler will show you not only this but many other iconic sites of American military history.

The museum also includes the comrade Intrepida - the submarine USS Growler. And even if you get into a “non-reception” day, believe me, one appearance will suffice for an awesome impression. But the biggest feature of the museum is the Space Shuttle Enterprise. To install it, the museum had to sacrifice three planes, because the place for such beauty could simply not be enough. His transportation and installation were a whole special operation.

The Intrepid Museum is not only an entertainment facility. For example, during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the FBI emergency headquarters was deployed on the decks of an aircraft carrier. So this object for New York is more than important to this day.

Want to feel like a real soldier of the American army? Welcome aboard! The company American Butler is ready to spend an interesting excursion for you, friends and family! We know a lot of fascinating places in the USA — all you have to do is leave a request and write your travel wishes.