Now Departing: USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier Museum!

One of my favorite things in New York City is the USS Intrepid, the WWII aircraft carrier that now serves as a museum. I went to a fantastic party on the ship held during Internet World 1998 or 1999, at the top of the last web bubble. More recently, I had a fantastic days with my boys on the ship during a trip to New York two years ago. Now the museum's closed, and the ship has departed New York for a refurbishment through Fall 2008.

The ship's apparently been at the same place, Pier 86 in New York, for the past 24 years. It moves today to a New Jersey shipyard. This AP story has more details. I like this part:

The story notes that the many planes on board have been shrink-wrapped to protect them and that the ship is being moved to coincide with the year's highest tide.

When it comes back, be sure to pay a visit. It'll keep you entertained, and educated, for hours. I found it gripping, at times chilling, to be sitting in the same hangar that was devastated by a kamikaze attack, watching a video about that attack. The flight deck lined with planes of all types is a sight to behold. Nearby, one of the Concorde aircraft can be toured:

The idea of it moving makes me think of another ship I'd always wanted to see return to the see, the Queen Mary in Long Beach. For a Southern Californian, the Queen Mary is a landmark, a ship I've visited many times, including one overnight stay in the hotel.

I always wanted to come up with a story that would involve the Queen Mary going to sea again, perhaps somewhat similar to how the Titanic got raised and returned to port in Raise The Titanic.

The Queen Mary never sank, of course (though it did slice another ship in two during a terrible accident during its troopship days. As the owner of Troopships.com, I like troopship history!). I have no idea if the ship could even be made seaworthy again, after all the changes and removals made to it over time. But it would be great to see.

In the meantime, my last trip to the Intrepid gave me an extra bonus. The Queen Mary 2 was in port next to it:

Postscript: Oh no -- stuck! The ship got out (and see here) only 15 feet today.

I personally enjoy having dinner on the Queen Mary, it’s quite an experience. After the Spruce Goose was sold it seems that some of the foot traffic to the old ship has slowed. Apparently we have swapped locations, you’re in the US and I am in London. ;-) Strange how that works, have a great trip!

Comment by Aaron Shear | November 6, 2006 4:38 PM

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