Intrepid museum opens after makeover

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, a retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier given a $115 million makeover, has opened in New York to kudos from visitors.

The New York Daily News reported Sunday that Intrepid visitors such as 83-year-old Ray Stone, who once served on the ship, were on hand Saturday to christen the refurbished carrier's new mission as a museum.

"Hopefully it's an inspiration to our youth," Stone said of the carrier's new position in life. "Now I can take my grandchildren here."

The USS Intrepid was first launched in 1943 and served in World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Museum visitor Kevin Brown said the history behind the tourist site enables visitors young and old the chance to fully understand life in the armed forces.

"It's bridging the generations so they have an appreciation and respect for our men and women in uniform," the 56-year-old son of a retired Navy admiral told the Daily News.

The newspaper said U.S. President George W. Bush has agreed to take part in Veterans Day ceremonies at the site in order to be given the 2008 Intrepid Freedom Award.