Honor USS Intrepid Anniversary

Assembly Resolution No. 1271 BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Commissioning of the USS Intrepid on August 16, 2018 WHEREAS, Ships and the brave men and women who crew them play a critical role in the defense of our Nation, and the protection of citizens of the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those ships and events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Commissioning of the USS Intrepid; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated with a myriad of events throughout the year, culminating with a special ceremony with approximately 940 former crew members and their families, various performances, educational programs, exhibits and tours during the weekend of August 16-19, 2018; and WHEREAS, By era, the following former crew members will be attending the festivities: 11 from World War II (1943-1946) including six "plankowners" who served on the USS Intrepid's first cruise, 111 from the Early Cold War (1954-1966), 87 from the Vietnam War (1966-1969), and

56 from the Late Cold War (1969-1974); and WHEREAS, The USS Intrepid was commissioned on August 16, 1943, in Virginia and joined the United States Navy fleet during World War II in the Pacific Theater where she survived five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike; and WHEREAS, The ship later served in several world conflicts including the Cold War and the Vietnam War, and as a recovery vessel in the 1960s; she was decommissioned on March 15, 1974, at Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and WHEREAS, Fortunately, New York City philanthropist, Zachary Fisher campaigned to preserve the ship and its storied history; in August of

1982, the ship opened in New York City as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; today, over one million visitors each year travel to Pier 86 at 46th Street on the West Side of Manhattan to tour the Museum; and WHEREAS, In 1986, the USS Intrepid was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark; and WHEREAS, For 75 years, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum has strived to promote the awareness and education of our nation's great history, to honor our past and present heroes, and to inspire our youth through experiential education; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportunity to express its gratitude to our exceptional Navy fleet and the courageous men and women, past and present, of the United States Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made on behalf of our Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Commissioning of the USS Intrepid on August 16, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.