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.