July 24, 2006

Homeland Security's stake in Intrepid makeover

When word first leaked out that the U.S.S. Intrepid would temporarily close up as a museum and head to dry dock, the official word arrived in fitting style for an aircraft carrier that has spyplanes displayed on its deck.

In the New York Times' initial report that the Intrepid was going to leave for repairs, museum officials wouldn't say when the ship would leave, where it would go for the unnamed repairs, or how long it would be gone. It all seemed sort of excessively "loose ships sink ships" for an aircraft carrier that was officially retired in 1974.

Not so fast, according to New York magazine, which reports that the upcoming maintenance is at least in part a project of Homeland Security, which is paying $31 million to create a "secure space" for emergency operations in case the city is attacked again.

After the WTC towers were attacked in 2001, the FBI used the Intrepid for five weeks since their offices were among the spaces lost downtown.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will close to the public for 18 months starting October 1. It's expected to return to Manhattan in May 2008 in time for Fleet Week.

Earlier: Intrepid to close Oct. 1 for 18 months of renovations
Intrepid Museum makes dry dock plans - NY Times

July 24, 2006 01:01 PM in Midtown, Museums, Sightsology

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