Fleet Week is America’s premier tribute and “thank you” to the men and women who serve in the armed forces. This year, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is open for Fleet Week for the first time since 2006. The Intrepid closed for nearly two years to undergo a $115 million renovation that included the complete rebuilding of Pier 86, the refurbishment of 16 historic aircraft on board, new and redesigned museum installations, and an inside-and-out face lift for the 65-year-old aircraft carrier.
A number of Fleet Week 2009 activities will take place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Pier 86 (46 Street and 12 Avenue, Manhattan). This year’s special events include:
- Thursday, May 21: Attend the official reopening ceremony for the Growler, a retired nuclear submarine that has been a part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for many years. The Growler reopening ceremony begins at 11:00 AM and is free and open to the public, tours of Growler are free with the price of admission to the museum.
- Friday, May 22: Join Iwo Jima survivors and hundreds of marines and sailors at a special Iwo Jima commemoration and ceremonial wreath laying at 11:00 AM, free with price of admission to the museum.
- Friday May 22 – Monday, May 25: Daily demonstrations of military skills, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, free and open to the public.
- Saturday, May 23: Watch athletic competitions between groups of visiting marines and sailors. Tug of war from 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM and stem to stern relay races from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. All free and open to the public.
- Monday, May 25:The Memorial Day commemoration ceremony will take place from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the flight deck of the Interepid. The service will include the unfurling of a 100-foot American flag, the playing of Taps, a ceremonial wreath laying, a 3-volley rifle salute and a military flyover. Free with price of admission to the museum.
- Monday, May 25: Free outdoor public screening of the HBO film Taking Chance from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
