Intrepid Aircraft Carrier at the Sea Air Space Museum in New York

Intrepid Aircraft Carrier at the Sea-Air-Space Museum and the USS Growler in New York City are docked at Pier 86 in New York.

Our trip to New York City was one big adventure. Walking through the streets, hundreds of meters below the towering skyscrapers, is an experience hard to forget. American stores, restaurants, cars, and even the everyday pedestrians passing us on the sidewalks are very different from what we know in Europe. Here in the United States, everything is bigger, faster, and louder. We spent entire days just strolling around, stopping by attractions along the way, feeling like kids on Christmas morning. As I said, one big adventure.

New York offers plenty of attractions, and most importantly, some of them are free or very affordable. This is crucial because staying in the Big Apple is quite expensive on its own. However, today is not about finances but about one of the most fascinating military attractions I have ever visited. In the article below, I will share how the Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York left a lasting impression on me, talk a bit about its history, and mention some important things to remember when exploring this massive machine.

Visiting New York is not an easy pleasure

When planning a trip to New York City, one of the biggest challenges is managing your time so that you can see all the incredible places this city has to offer. After all, this is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the American Museum of Natural History, as well as iconic buildings that almost everyone has heard of. Being in New York and not going up to the top of Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building would be a huge oversight. You should also take a walk through Central Park, sit down with a coffee at Times Square, and take in the sights of Broadway and the famous 7th Avenue. Of course, there are hundreds of other landmarks to visit, such as the Brooklyn Bridge.

After reading today’s article, I hope you’ll add one more site to your personal must-see list—one that doesn’t get as much attention as the famous spots mentioned above, but in my opinion, deserves just as much recognition: the Intrepid aircraft carrier, a museum ship docked in New York City.

Intrepid aircraft carrier museum in New York

I admit that this was the first time I had seen such a huge warship with my own eyes. Despite the fact that this menacing, man-made machine is already 80 years old, it still commands respect with its size and power. Even Magda, who is not a fan of military and military monuments, this time walked around the numerous decks of the USS Intrepid with great interest. The word Intrepid means Fearless and such is the story of the huge ship that I will tell you about today.

Intrepid aircraft carrier warship history

The adventures of the USS Intrepid and its proud journey across the world’s seas and oceans began in December 1941 on the drawing boards of an American defense contractor. Shortly after, plans for the construction of this highly advanced aircraft carrier—intended to support the U.S. Navy in its fight against the Japanese in the Pacific—were approved. The ship was completed in April 1943, and by August, it set sail on its maiden voyage toward Southeast Asia.

The first stop—and its baptism by fire—took place in the Marshall Islands. There, alongside other warships and carrier-based aircraft, the USS Intrepid supported American troops during an amphibious assault on the islands. In the midst of fierce combat, as aircraft launched from its deck stung Japanese forces like enraged wasps, the USS Intrepid was struck by a torpedo dropped from a Japanese plane.

Damaged but undefeated, the ship was repaired and, within just a few months, returned to battle. This time, it sailed into the perilous waters between the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. For months, the USS Intrepid, accompanied by agile destroyers, engaged in bloody clashes with the fanatical Imperial Japanese Navy.

During this period, the ship played a significant role in battles for the Philippine Islands and successfully took part in several attacks on Okinawa. Aircraft launched from the USS Intrepid contributed to the destruction of Japan’s so-called “invincible” super-battleships Musashi and Yamato. Many planes taking off from the carrier were lost or went missing in action, yet the bravery and dedication of the crew helped secure the destruction of two more Japanese warships during the famous Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Intrepid aircraft carrier Battle of Leyte Gulf

The clash between the two greatest naval powers of the time took place in the Sibuyan Sea, a body of water located between the Philippine islands of Sibuyan, Burias, and Masbate. The Japanese strategy aimed to destroy the U.S. Navy in a single, massive battle. To achieve this, they dispatched the Combined Fleet, the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Normally, these warships operated separately across different parts of the world, but for this decisive confrontation with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, they were gathered into one formidable force and sent into battle.

The engagement was epic. Imagine hundreds of warships on both sides, lurking and maneuvering, searching for weaknesses in the enemy’s formations. Add to that an unimaginable swarm of aircraft, launching from the decks of dozens of aircraft carriers, surrounding the preparing fleets like mosquitoes at a riverside picnic.

During the Battle of Surigao Strait, Japanese and American battleships also clashed in an intense firefight. The thunderous blasts of naval gunfire echoed across islands tens of kilometers away. The Americans annihilated most of the Japanese warships, while the remaining vessels barely managed to escape. This battle marked the last battleship-to-battleship engagement in history.

Coming to our senses after the great battle

Such devastating battles were never allowed to happen again. Shortly afterward, battleships were phased out in favor of smaller, more agile warships. The Battle of Leyte Gulf ended in a decisive U.S. Navy victory, and Japan never recovered from this crushing defeat.

As the war drew to a close, desperate Japanese commanders ordered their pilots to attack American ships at all costs—even at the ultimate price. Kamikaze squadrons were formed, with pilots deliberately crashing their bomb-laden planes into enemy vessels.

The USS Intrepid survived several such attacks. Some caused little damage, but one particularly massive kamikaze raid—involving dozens of enemy aircraft—resulted in the death of 69 crew members. Thanks to both luck and the dedication of the crew, only two planes managed to reach the carrier, while the rest were shot down by anti-aircraft guns and even small arms fire. Despite the damage sustained, the ship continued to serve in combat until the end of World War II.

Intrepid aircraft carrier after the end of World War II

After the war ended and atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, forcing Japan into unconditional surrender, the USS Intrepid was moved to the reserve fleet and anchored in a U.S. port. However, peace did not last long. The Cold War began, and new conflicts emerged. Within just a few years, the USS Intrepid was reactivated and reassigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Before returning to service, the carrier underwent a major refit, modifying its primary role. From that point on, it became a carrier specialized in anti-submarine warfare.

During the 1950s, the ship operated in waters near Cuba and the Guantanamo Bay naval base, conducting intelligence missions and providing convoy support. In 1962, the USS Intrepid was deployed with a task force to recover the space capsule carrying astronaut Malcolm Scott Carpenter.

Project Mercury ties in with USS Intrepid

The Aurora 7 capsule safely returned to Earth after a successful mission as part of Project Mercury. It was retrieved from the water by helicopters launched from the USS Intrepid. Over the years, the carrier participated in several more space capsule recovery missions, assisting in the safe return of astronauts. In the 1960s, the USS Intrepid was deployed near Vietnam, where aircraft launched from its deck took part in missions such as Operation Rolling Thunder—a sustained bombing campaign during which nearly 650,000 tons of bombs were dropped on Vietnam.

Throughout the Vietnam War, American aircraft dropped a staggering 1.6 million tons of bombs—more than the total amount used by the U.S. during World War II. While patrolling the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the USS Intrepid carried out numerous missions and successfully navigated multiple challenges. In 1968, during the Israeli-Arab Crisis, the carrier was stationed near the Suez Canal, ensuring security in the region.

Intrepid aircraft carrier gets a well-deserved rest

Ultimately, the USS Intrepid was retired in 1974, ending its long and distinguished service. It was anchored in a shipyard in Philadelphia, where it quickly became a major attraction. The aircraft carrier even hosted celebrations for the United States Bicentennial.

There were many debates about the ship’s future, with some advocating for preserving it as a historic monument, while others pushed for scrapping the aging vessel. However, passionate individuals with a deep respect for history and naval heroes stepped in to save the ship.

In 1978, philanthropist and multimillionaire Zachary Fisher, along with a group of like-minded supporters, founded the Intrepid Museum Foundation. Their goal was to transform the USS Intrepid into a grand museum dedicated to the U.S. Navy. After years of legal battles—fierce in their own way, much like the battles the USS Intrepid once fought on the seas—the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was finally established.

Today, this proud colossus, which has seen countless battles and adventures, is permanently docked at Pier 86 in Manhattan, New York, serving as a living monument to history.

Sea-Air-Museum in New York What you will see during the visit

The USS Intrepid is just one part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. In addition to the aircraft carrier itself, the museum houses dozens of aircraft, some of which once operated from the Intrepid’s deck during wartime, while others represent various eras of American aviation history.

One of the most fascinating exhibits is the legendary Blackbird, standing proudly on the ship’s upper deck—where fighter jets once took off for combat missions. The Blackbird, or SR-71, is the fastest military aircraft ever built. Designed in the 1950s by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, it was a technological marvel of its time. Seeing it up close is truly breathtaking.

Beyond the Blackbird, the museum features an impressive collection of F-series fighter jets and many other remarkable aircraft, offering a thrilling journey through the evolution of aviation.

USS Intrepid as part of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

The USS Intrepid became the beginning and the most important part of a huge museum. In addition to the aircraft carrier, we will see many machines and exhibits throughout the modern history of the American Navy and beyond.

USS Growler submarine

One of the most intriguing exhibits at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is the USS Growler submarine. Touring this compact vessel is quite a challenge—its tight passageways and confined spaces, each meticulously designed for function, demand a strong will. It’s hard to imagine how soldiers lived and worked here for months at a time during their service.

The USS Growler was built in 1955 in a U.S. shipyard and was designed primarily for stealth reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. In addition to its spy missions, it also served as a launch platform for advanced guided missiles. This submarine is a testament to the rapid modernization of the U.S. Navy, as it was retired just nine years after its launch, replaced by a more advanced vessel.

SSM Regulus – The first air-to-air missile in American service

Missile-aircraft played an important role in the US Navy. They were equipped with nuclear warheads and were an element of nuclear deterrence. These dangerous machines retired from service after the appearance of strategic submarines carrying missiles with nuclear warheads. One of the first missile-aircraft, SSM Regulus, was placed on board the submarine USS Growler.

Enterprise, the first American space shuttle

The Enterprise arrived aboard the USS Intrepid in 2012. This extraordinary spacecraft was built in 1976 as a prototype for the future space shuttles. Although Enterprise never traveled to space, it remains a symbol of America’s space exploration efforts.

An interesting fact is that the shuttle was originally named Constitution, but after an overwhelming campaign by Star Trek fans, who sent thousands of letters requesting a change, it was renamed Enterprise. This was meant to honor the famous starship from the series and symbolize the beginning of a new era in space travel.

The shuttle is housed in the Space Shuttle Pavilion, a specially designed structure on the deck of the aircraft carrier. In addition to Enterprise, the pavilion features a collection of space exploration equipment, used in past missions. It’s a must-see section of the museum!

Aircraft and other exhibits at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

On the USS Intrepid, beneath its deck, and in the surrounding area, there are dozens of aircraft that showcase the evolution of military aviation—not only in the United States but around the world. The museum houses British, French, Russian aircraft, as well as weapons, planes, and parts captured during various wars and conflicts.

Some of the most interesting aircraft include:

• Supermarine Scimitar – A British fighter jet that once served in the Royal Navy.
• Dassault Étendard – A French aircraft with a sleek and agile design, resembling an insect, yet highly effective in combat.
• Grumman F-14 Tomcat – A legendary American fighter, known for its striking appearance and lethal capabilities.
• MiG-15 – A Polish Air Force jet, now proudly displayed in the New York museum as a symbol of Cold War aviation history.

The variety of aircraft on display makes this museum a must-visit for aviation and military enthusiasts alike!

Intrepid Aircraft Carrier and planning is worth planning your visit well

Before boarding the USS Intrapid aircraft carrier, we are briefed on the dangers and traps that await guests here. While exploring and moving around the ship’s decks, it is important to remember that this is a machine created for combat, not play. There are many sharp edges and corners here. Steel stairs, thick plates, partitions and narrow passages can become dangerous when we let our guard down.

Hangar No. 1 on board the USS Intrepid

The tour begins in hangar no. 1, where, thanks to multimedia installations, we will learn the history of the aircraft carrier, the places where it fought and all the details about its construction. There is a huge screen here, which shows historical films featuring the USS Intrepid and talks with people connected with its history. On the same level, there is a theater hall, the Lutnick Theater. Every now and then, performances or meetings with interesting guests are organized here.

Battle Hangar No. 2

Hangar 2 is where the real adventure begins. Back when USS Intrepid patrolled distant parts of the world, this was the station for combat aircraft, ready for rapid deployment via deck elevators.

Now, it houses an impressive collection of aircraft that once served on the carrier. Fighters and bombers stand with lowered fuselages and folded wings, resembling resting predators.

In addition to the aircraft, the hangar features weapons and military equipment from World War II and the post-war era. A fascinating highlight is the observation decks, created after the ship’s guns were removed. From here, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Manhattan, especially at night, when the city lights up in a dazzling display.

For technology and history enthusiasts, there are also:

• The cockpit of a medical helicopter, where visitors can sit at the controls and feel like a rescue pilot.
• An original space capsule, one of those retrieved from the ocean by helicopters operating from USS Intrepid.

This place perfectly combines history, technology, and an unforgettable experience.

Hangar No. 3

In this area, all the gathered materials, equipment, and multimedia displays tell the story of the people who served on the ship, from the day of its launch to the end of its service.

Hangar 3 was renovated just a few years ago, and thanks to this, it has been equipped with cutting-edge multimedia systems and an impressive sound system. This setup allows visitors to experience the atmosphere just as the sailors and pilots once did. The booming sound of gunfire, the rumble of elevators, and the shouts of officers, combined with projected images on the walls, transport us back to the glorious days when USS Intrepid was undefeated and feared by its enemies.

Throughout the vast space, various pieces of equipment used by the ship’s crew during long voyages are displayed. Visitors can see:

• Seats removed from aircraft, maintenance tools, and spare parts.
• Onboard and personal weapons, as well as aircraft models and exhibits showcasing how sailors spent their free time during service.

At the far end, there is a large, beautifully decorated hall used for meetings and various events related to history—not just that of the ship itself. During our visit, a meeting between government officials and submarine officers was taking place there.

Flight Deck

The flight deck is the heart of the aircraft carrier. This is where aircraft are prepared for takeoff and welcomed back from their missions. On the USS Intrepid, the flight deck is used as a showcase for some of the most fascinating aircraft in the museum. Here, you can find fighters, fighter-bombers, reconnaissance planes, helicopters, and many other impressive machines.

From the flight deck, it’s easy to access all other parts of the ship. You can descend to the lower decks or start exploring the carrier’s superstructures and crew living quarters. The officers’ meeting rooms are particularly interesting—it’s hard to imagine what discussions took place here when the ship was preparing for battle.

At the highest point of the superstructure, rising above the flight deck, is the combat bridge of the carrier. This is where the captain and his top officers commanded operations. A secondary, identical bridge is located deeper inside the massive vessel. This backup command center was used in case the main deck was destroyed.

Below the combat stations, there are crew sleeping quarters and recreation areas. These include a gym, a mess hall, and even a movie theater. One of the rooms houses a huge radio station, where the crew could communicate with their families and friends back home.

Intrepid Aircraft Carrier What Else to See

Of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without descending into the engine room. The massive engines that once powered this colossal vessel are truly impressive. Here, you’ll find workshops, forges, and small factories capable of quickly producing anything needed during long voyages.

Throughout the various decks and key areas, you’ll encounter staff members, many of whom are former sailors who served on the carrier or flew its aircraft. Their firsthand stories and explanations bring history to life in a way no textbook ever could. One elderly gentleman shared a remarkable story about the Vietnam evacuation, when they had to push aircraft off the deck into the sea to make space for returning soldiers.

Beyond the military equipment, every available space is filled with interactive exhibits—information panels, small 3D cinemas, flight simulators, and capsules where visitors can experience the cramped conditions during a battle alarm. There are countless immersive attractions that make this museum an unforgettable experience.

The USS Intrepid tour was an incredible experience. The whole day flew by in the blink of an eye, and we still left wanting more. I’m sure we’ll be back.

Intrepid Aircraft Carrier and Air, Sea and Space Museum Fun Facts and Information

• The USS Intrepid had over 50,000 people on board throughout its service, and 250 lost their lives during combat operations.
• The USS Intrepid belongs to the Essex class of the so-called Short Hull. Its displacement is 27,000 tons. The 265-meter-long ship was powered by engines with a total power of 150,000 horsepower. It reached a speed of 33 knots, or about 60 kilometers per hour.
• The ship’s crew consisted of over 3,000 sailors, pilots, and specialists of all stripes.
• During the war, the aircraft carrier carried 82 planes.
• The USS Intrepid took part in 4 huge battles, which are still considered the largest clashes of enemy fleets in history.
• The main hangar on the ship was prepared to be interesting and safe for children. This is where the little ones love to spend their time, because they can touch everything and ask about everything.
• From time to time, the museum organizes weeks for children. Then, the children can visit parts of ships and planes prepared for them, and also meet people known from TV.
• The museum houses the first American space shuttle. It is a fully operational machine that can leave the space of the Earth, which has never happened to it. However, the Enterprise took part in hundreds of tests and experiments in the air and on the ground.
• The Air Sea and Space Museum often prepares films promoting the latest events and attractions. It is worth visiting their website or YouTube channel.
• A big attraction of the museum is the submarine USS Growler. The word growler means a grump and a malcontent. This is supposedly what the submarine anchored at the pier in New York today was like. It liked to cause problems, but at the same time it was safe and performed great whenever the situation required it.
• At the end of the pier, where the USS Intrepid and USS Growler are moored, stands the famous Concorde. This aircraft was previously owned by The British Airways. Up until now, it has been the fastest passenger plane to regularly fly between Europe and the United States. The record time it took to cross the Atlantic Ocean, which divides the two continents, is 2 hours and 52 minutes. You can see another model of this aircraft at Aerospace Bristol.
• The USS Intrepid has been sent to NASA missions many times. It was from her deck that helicopters took off to retrieve space capsules from the ocean.

Polish version