USS Intrepid, CV-11, CVA-11, CVS-11

The USS Intrepid is an Essex class aircraft carrier launched 26 April 1943 by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia. She was commissioned 16 August 1943; modernized in 1954 and 1959; and served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. This is the fourth US ship to be named Intrepid.

She was damaged by a Japanese counterattack during air raids on Truk Lagoon on 16 February 1944 and received temporary repairs at Pearl Harbor. Full repairs were completed on 10 June 1944 at Hunter's Point, California.

On 20 October 1944, the Intrepid took place in the largest naval battle in history (the battle of Leyte Gulf) as her planes flew missions in support of the landings of Leyte, the Philippines. This battle led to the liberation of the Philippines.

The Intrepid was extensively modernized at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1954 to convert her to a modern attack carrier capable of handling jets, and recommissioned in reserve 18 June 1954 as CVA-11. On 13 October 1954, she became the first carrier to launch aircraft with steam catapults.

In the early 1960's, Intrepid served as the prime recovery vessel for the Gemini and Mercury Space Programs. She also served three tours of duty in Vietnam (1966 - 1968). In March 1974, she was decommissioned.

In March 1978, Zachary Fisher established the Intrepid Museum Foundation to save the USS Intrepid, and on 3 August 1982 the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum opened to the public.

On October 1, 2006, the museum closed for repairs and renovations to both the ship and the pier. The Intrepid was moved down the Hudson to The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, New Jersey for restoration. The carrier reopened to the public on November 8, 2008.