What Aircraft Carrier is in New York City?
New York City is home to many iconic landmarks, but one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring is the USS Intrepid, a retired United States Navy aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum and interactive exhibit space. Located on the west side of Manhattan, the USS Intrepid is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or just wanting to experience something unique and exciting.
The USS Intrepid: A Brief History
The USS Intrepid was commissioned in 1943 and played a significant role in World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater and earning nine battle stars for its service. After the war, the ship was converted into a recovery vessel for the Apollo 11 and 15 space missions, where it recovered the astronauts and their spacecraft after splashdown.
In the 1970s, the USS Intrepid was decommissioned and donated to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the ship and its history. Over the years, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions, and today it is one of the most popular attractions in New York City.
What to Expect
So, what can you expect to see and experience on the USS Intrepid? Here are just a few highlights:
- Flight Deck: The flight deck is the main attraction on the USS Intrepid, and it’s an absolute must-see. The deck is home to several aircraft, including the Concorde, a supersonic jet that flew at speeds of up to 1,354 mph.
- Hangar Deck: The hangar deck is where you’ll find the USS Intrepid’s aircraft collection, including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, which was used for atmospheric flight tests.
- Pilot’s Ready Room: Get a glimpse into the life of a naval aviator in the pilot’s ready room, where pilots would prepare for missions and brief each other on flight plans.
- Bridge: Take a tour of the ship’s bridge, where you’ll learn about the history of navigation and get a sense of what it was like to command the USS Intrepid.
- Engine Room: Explore the engine room, where you’ll learn about the ship’s propulsion system and get a sense of the scale and complexity of the USS Intrepid’s engineering.
Aircraft on Display
The USS Intrepid is home to an impressive collection of aircraft, including:
- F4U Corsair: A World War II-era fighter plane that played a key role in the Pacific Theater.
- F14 Tomcat: A Cold War-era fighter jet that was used by the US Navy.
- F18 Hornet: A modern fighter jet that is still in service today.
- Space Shuttle Enterprise: A full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle that was used for atmospheric flight tests.
- Concorde: A supersonic jet that flew at speeds of up to 1,354 mph.
Interactive Exhibits
The USS Intrepid is not just a museum; it’s also an interactive exhibit space. Here are just a few examples of the interactive exhibits you can experience:
- Zero-G Flight Simulator: Get a sense of what it’s like to fly in zero gravity with this interactive simulator.
- Virtual Reality Experience: Explore the USS Intrepid and its aircraft in virtual reality with this immersive experience.
- Flight Simulator: Take the controls of a simulated aircraft and experience what it’s like to be a naval aviator.
- Interactive Displays: Learn about the history of the USS Intrepid and its aircraft through interactive displays and exhibits.
Tickets and Hours
The USS Intrepid is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, and prices vary depending on the time of year and type of ticket. Here are the current ticket prices:
- Adult: $33
- Child (5-12): $24
- Senior (65+): $29
- Military: $29
Conclusion
The USS Intrepid is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or just wanting to experience something unique and exciting. With its impressive collection of aircraft, interactive exhibits, and stunning views of the Hudson River, the USS Intrepid is an experience you won’t want to miss. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket today and explore the USS Intrepid for yourself!
