World War II to NASA missions | The story of Aircraft Carrier Intrepid

USS Intrepid (CV-11) is a legendary Essex-class aircraft carrier that served with distinction during World War II and beyond. Today, it’s the foundation of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

• Official name: USS Intrepid (CV-11)
• Built in: 1 April 1943
• Date of launch: 16 August 1943
• Location within the museum: The Intrepid itself is the museum’s main structure, Pier 86

Commissioned in August 1943, the USS Intrepid played a key role in several major Pacific Theater battles during WWII, including Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. The "Fighting I" survived five kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike, earning four battle stars. After the war, Intrepid underwent modernization and served as an attack carrier and anti-submarine warfare carrier during the Cold War and Vietnam War. 

The ship also participated in NASA recovery missions, retrieving astronauts from space capsules during the Mercury and Gemini programs. Decommissioned in 1974, the Intrepid avoided scrapping thanks to preservation efforts, reflecting its historical and symbolic value to the U.S. Navy and American history.

Today, the Intrepid itself forms the heart of the museum, giving you access to the flight deck, hangar deck, and below-deck spaces. You can also explore historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, and immersive wartime displays, making it an unmissable experience in NYC.