The USS Intrepid, a Navy aircraft carrier that saw action in World War II and Vietnam before becoming a prominent Manhattan museum, returned to its West Side berth in October 2008 following a two-year, $115 million refurbishment. The 900-foot ship, which previously served as a recovery vessel for NASA's Mercury and Gemini space missions, was towed by tugboats from the Staten Island Homeport back to Pier 86 at 46th Street, carrying 16 restored aircraft.
Retired Rear Admiral James L. "Doc" Abbot, 82, who commanded the ship when Senator John McCain flew bombers from its deck in the early 1960s, led a group of 250 former crew members during its return. The vessel, also known as "The Fighting I," has a history of survival, enduring a torpedo hit and multiple kamikaze attacks, earning it nicknames like "the Ghost Ship."
After its decommissioning, a campaign spearheaded by Michael D. Piccola saved the Intrepid from being scrapped, establishing it as a museum ship in 1982 at Pier 86. Beyond its military and space-related roles, the Intrepid also served as the FBI's operations center after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The 2006-2008 renovation project, which included $55 million for the ship and $65 million for Pier 86, enhanced its exhibits and overall visitor experience. The museum reopened to the public on November 8, 2008.
In 2012, the Space Shuttle Enterprise became part of the museum, flown over New York City landmarks before its placement in a dedicated pavilion. The Intrepid now houses over 30 planes and helicopters, including a supersonic spy plane Lockheed A-12 and a British Airways Concorde, attracting over one million visitors annually. Its transformation from a combat vessel to an educational institution highlights its diverse historical contributions across military, space, and national security events.
