VISITING THE INTREPID SEA-AIR-SPACE MUSEUM

Photos and Text by Theodore W. Scull (Originally published July 2009)
intrepidUSS Intrepid October 19, 2008

USSIntrepid, an aircraft carrier, was completed in 1943 and served in World II in the Pacific and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The carrier also acted as the primary recovery ship for several NASA space shots. As an educational attraction, she opened at Pier 86 in 1982, has received more than 10 million visitors and is one of the most popular destinations in New York City. Following the two-year rebuilding of her permanent home, the refurbished Intrepid reopened in November 2008.

Have a good look at the website to plan a visit, and allow two to three hours to have a comprehensive tour of the flight and hanger decks, collection of aircraft, officer and crew quarters, navigating bridges, films (including Kamikaze Day) and the British Airways Concorde and Growler Submarine.

Location: Pier 86, Foot of W. 46th Street & 12th Ave.
Opening Hours to Sep 30: Mon-Thu 10am-5pm; Sat, Sun & Hol 10am-6pm
From Oct 1st to Mar 31st – Closed Mondays and Tue-Sun & Hol 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $19.50; Seniors 62+, Veterans & College Students: $15.50; Ages 6-17: $14.50;
Ages 2-5: $7.50; Free for Retired Military, Active Duty, Children under 2 and Museum Members.

Public Transportation: MTA Buses M34, M42, M50 to 12th Avenue.
Food Outlets: available on board and picnic tables outside on Pier 86
See also Public Events Calendar, FAQ, and Gift Shop.

Website: www.intrepidmuseum.org

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The Intrepid from the West Side pedestrian/bike path.
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Looking through the fountain on adjacent Pier 84.
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The Flight Deck‘s aircraft collection looking East.
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MiG 21 PFM, one of 30,000 built for 56 air force fleets, and a gift from Poland.
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Lockheed A-12 Blackbird, one of 50 built and capable of 2,269 mph.
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BA Concorde is open to visitors.
intrepid Collection of helicopters on the Flight Deck and looking North.
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View South from the Flight Deck to the Circle Line piers, Lincoln Tunnel ventilation shaft, West Street and Exchange Place, Jersey City skyline.

Views Below Decks

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One of the navigating bridges.
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Commanding Officer‘s Quarters.
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Junior Officers‘ Quarters.