Docked at Pier 86 in the Hudson River at 46th Street, the decommissioned aircraft carrier U

Docked at Pier 86 in the Hudson River at 46^th Street, the decommissioned aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid is a standing symbol of America’s proud military history.

The 900-foot long behemoth was launched amidst World War II in 1942 carrying over 100 aircraft and 3,000 men into battle.

After serving in WWII, the Intrepid was modernized and saw action in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

It’s aircraft and onboard weapons shot down 650 enemy planes and destroyed 289 ships.

In 1976, the U.S.S. Intrepid was ordered to the scrap heap. But a foundation was formed to save and restore the now obsolete ship and preserve the monument as a military museum devoted to our sea, air and space programs.

It’s a popular destination for many tourists.

The flight deck of the Intrepid is one of its most exciting features. Fighters, rescue helicopters and planes are lined up all looking ready to take off on that next mission!

The museum is not only on the Intrepid, across Pier 86 are the U.S.S. Edson, a destroyer and further up, the U.S.S. Growler, a guided missile submarine. Both are open for your "inspection."

As we head inside the Intrepid’s missive body, we also go back into history. Most of the planes housed here dates back to when there were no jets. Including the same model former President George Bush flew in WWII.

As you would expect in a museum, all the displays feature detailed descriptions.

There are also several photos of the crafts in action.

You can also walk along the outside perimeter areas and even sit in the gunner’s seats and imagine what it was like to have been in battle.

On the lower decks, you’ll see some real history. This reproduction of a WWI biplane really shows how far we’ve come during this century.

The Intrepid also played a role in America’s space program by retrieving several of the Mercury and Gemini space capsules.

The museum is not only occupied by crafts. Weapons, uniforms and models are also on display. There are also multimedia shows featuring historical footage.

At the end of May, around Memorial Day, the Intrepid is the host of Fleet week. 10,000 Navy and Coast Guard personnel converge on NYC and as they enjoy the city, you can enjoy visiting their ships from 1-4 PM daily. It’s great for the kids!