[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2100-E2101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE USS ``INTREPID''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express may deep admiration for 
the work done by the Intrepid Foundation and the great Intrepid Sea-
Air-Space Museum.
  The Museum, the world's largest naval museum, is housed on the 
historic and battle-scarred USS Intrepid.
  The Museum pays homage to the valiant efforts of the U.S. Armed 
Forces in defense of our liberties.

[[Page E2101]]

  Commissioned in 1943, the USS Intrepid is a unique educational 
resource that promotes public awareness of the history and future 
development of the sea, air and space sciences.
  The Intrepid fought valiantly in World War II, was a primary recovery 
vessel for NASA and then was sent to Southeast Asia where it launched 
the jets that supported our ground forces in Vietnam.
  During World War II, the carrier was hit by five Japanese Kamikaze 
suicide planes in separate incidents that killed dozens of crewmen and 
injured many others.
  Nonetheless, the ship exacted its toll on the Japanese air force, 
downing 43 planes and 4 kamikaze planes in one day.
  During the post-World War II period the Intrepid exemplified the 
United States' leadership and devotion to freedom.
  Unfortunately, despite its glorious past, there came a time when the 
ship was due to be scrapped.
  Zachary Fisher, founder of the Intrepid Foundation, rescued the ship 
in 1978 and arranged for it to be brought to Manhattan where it opened 
as a Museum in 1982.
  Visitors can explore some of the innovative aircraft that made 
America's air force the strongest in the world, from vintage World War 
II planes to the latest supersonic jets.
  The Intrepid's unique educational programs reach 40,000 school 
children each year, while the Foundation's Vocational-Technical program 
has helped hundreds of at-risk youth develop work and life skills.
  The Nation's men and women still serving in uniform are always at the 
forefront of the Foundation's activities.
  Its Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund provides financial support for the 
families of United States military personnel who have been lost in the 
line of duty, while Fleet Week is a celebration honoring those who are 
currently serving in our nation's military.
  Other Fisher Foundations serve the military in numerous ways.
  Zachary Fisher established the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed 
Services Foundation, which has provided funding to numerous military 
families who have lost loved ones under tragic circumstances.
  His Armed Services Foundation provides scholarship funds to active 
and former service members and their families.
  In 1990, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher began the Fisher House program, 
dedicating more than $20 million to the construction of 26 comfort 
homes for families of hospitalized military personnel.
  Since the program's inception, more than 35,000 families have stayed 
in Fisher Houses while their loved ones are receiving treatment.
  Thus, the Intrepid Museum is merely the most visible symbol of a 
enterprise entirely dedicated to serving our nation's men and women in 
uniform.
  Unfortunately, this great symbol of support for our armed forces is 
aging.
  During the past 24 years, the Intrepid has resided at Pier 86 in 
Manhattan, where she has been subjected to the storms, the vicissitudes 
of the Hudson River and a vast buildup of silt. All of that has taken a 
toll, and the Foundation has arranged for the ship to receive some 
loving care.
  The ship will spend 18-24 months in Bayonne, New Jersey being 
refurbished, while the pier is completely rebuilt. At the end of that 
period, the ship will return, better able to pursue its mission of 
honoring our Nation's heroes, educating the public and inspiring youth.
  As Robert Burns famously wrote, ``The best-laid schemes of mice and 
men gang aft agley.''
  Like many visitors to New York, the Intrepid simply did not want to 
go.
  Despite spending $1.6 million to dredge 15,000 cubic yards of mud and 
silt that had built up over the past 24 years, the ship could not be 
budged in the first try.
  With the support of my office and others, and under the leadership of 
Chairman Young, we have reached out to the Honorable Donald C. Winter, 
Secretary of the Navy, who has agreed to spending $3 million to free 
the ship from New York harbor. We are deeply grateful to him and to the 
Navy for their help with this effort.
  I would also like to thank and recognize, Gordon England, Deputy 
Secretary of Defense who has responded quickly and professionally to 
our requests and continues to keep us updated.
  Given the enormous support the Intrepid Foundation gives to our armed 
forces, and the extraordinary education visitors to the Intrepid 
receive, this is money well spent.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Fisher 
family, the Intrepid Museum, the Intrepid Foundation and the remarkable 
men and women who have made the Intrepid an extraordinary public 
resource.

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