The USS Intrepid and USS Growler...

USS Intrepid

Built in 1943 The Aircraft Carrier Intrepid served through WW II and survived several Japanese attacks.  After the War she was updated to take jet aircraft and served off Vietnam.  She spent part of her career serving with NASA as a spacecraft recovery ship and was retired in 1974.

In 1982 the ship was moored at Manhattan's Pier 86 (Btw W45 and W46th Streets) in the Hudson river and opened as the flagship of a Sea, Air,& Space Museum.

From 2006 to 2008 the museum closed down, shed it's 1950's destroyer and sent the Intrepid over across the Hudson for an extensive makeover.  Today the pier houses the Intrepid and U.S.S. Growler a unique Cold War Cruise missile submarine.

Currently there are five areas on the Intrepid open to the public. The Flight deck, Hanger deck, part of it's island, the Gallery deck and "Third deck".
 
The flight deck holds most of the 1/1 scale exhibits or aircraft.  Of note is a "Blackbird" which is actually an A-12 the SR-71's smaller one seat cousin, but still pretty impressive. Also there are a trio of GRUMMAN stalwarts: an F-14, E2c and A-6 Intruder all built about 50 miles away in Bethpage LI.  A bonus for modelers are two AH-1 Cobra gunships; one early model from Vietnam and an AH-1S USMC modern day Super Cobra sitting next to it for easy comparison.  The museums latest accusation is NASA's original test shuttle the Enterprise. The Enterprise wasn't built for space flight but used as a prototype for the shuttle unique transport system and training.  The museum is gather funding for a formal shuttle exhibit but will open a temporary pavilion or enclosure on the rear end of it's flight deck on July 19th.
 
Another interesting area for modelers are the gun tubs.  The Intrepid carried an impressive AAA battery during WW II.  Several guns are still in place in the sponsons just below the flight deck.  The guns are in various states of preservation and the 5/ 25's may have some post war additions to their firecontrol.  Still they are rare birds and some were used in the coastal artillery role  You can also access two 20mm guns and at least one Quad 40mm borfors mount.  There is a post war twin 3in gun mount on board but access is restricted during the building of the enclosure for the Space Shuttle.  Most of the models and prepared exhibits are on the Hanger Deck.  There is a multi screen video presentation called the Kamikaze experience complete with billowing fake smoke at the end.
The hanger deck houses a 250,000 piece 1/40 scale model of the Intrepid built with LEGOS!  There are also two full hull 1/72 scale models of the Intrepid, one as she appeared in WW II and another showing her during the Cold War era.  The rear of the ship houses a kids play area with interactive exhibits and rides.

Parts of the ships interior are also accessible including one of the 5in AAA gun Ammunition handling room.   You can see several types of berthing spaces: for marines,enlisted men, petty officers, and officers.  The lower the rank the more people packed into a given space. Another area open is the galley with it's huge steam kettles used to prepare food for a crew of over 3000.  Part of the island can be visited too.  There are double bridges for both steering and navigation.  The outer areas have large windows with a duplicate "citadel" or armored area behind it for battle action.

SSG 577 Growler

Commissioned August 1958 the Growler was a rare  U.S. post WWII diesel-electric submarine.  Configured to fire nuclear tipped Regulus cruise missiles,  the Growler only served for six years before being made obsolete by nuclear ballistic subs which could stay submerged for their entire cruises.
 
Also as you can see from my photos these are fighting ships, comfort and space were of little concern to the designers.  The flight and hanger deck of the Intrepid are handicap accessible.  But many of the interior space are cramped with very steep staircases.  Kind of like a castle over on the continent. So small children or rather large adults should be forewarned.  The Growler has a test hatch, before you get on line, to see if you can make it through it's interior.

A word here about cost here. Since the last down turn in the economy Manhattan museum prices have been skyrocketing. Unless you are active or retire Military the Intrepid will cost adults $24 and children and seniors $19 U.S. With each ride costing $9 extra. These prices are a bit on the high side but in line with many other museums. And they are firm prices too as some other museums still say: pay what you want but the "suggested" donation is..... not here. If you are coming in from out of town check on line for discount museum passes from the NYC Chamber of Commerce.

Over all plan 3-4 hours.  There are two food service areas but you can bring in food and there are seating areas both inside and out on the pier.
 

Steve Andreano