Intrepid Grand Re-Opening November 8, 2008


Time Flies: Intrepid’s Aircraft Restoration Projects.

By Eric Boehm,Manager of Aircraft Restoration


The Intrepid’s helicopter collection has grown to six complete machines with the recent addition of our freshly restored UH-1A Huey and HUP-2 Retriever. Recently, the aircraft were hoisted aboard Intrepid after being shipped back from the Thomarios Company of Akron, Ohio where they had been restored.

The UH-1A Huey is hoisted aboard Intrepid after a recently completed restoration.
Our Huey is an early “A” model from the first batch built in the late 1950’s. In fact, our machine is number 80 of more than 16,000 built. Updated versions of the Huey are still in front-line military service around the world and with the US Marines, although more are utilized for civilian service as fire fighters, search and rescue, and passenger carriers. Our Huey will be displayed on the flight deck alongside the collection’s other Army helicopter, the AH-1J Cobra.

The HUP has been moved inside to the hangar deck as it will be incorporated into the new exhibit design. There it will be part of the historical story of Intrepid’s four decades of active duty service, recognizing the service of this very aircraft aboard Intrepid in the late 1950’s. To mark the significance of the HUP’s return to Intrepid’s decks, several of the Intrepid former crew members were on hand to witness the event. I think I saw a tear in former crewmember Marino DiLeo’s eyes when he saw the HUP for the first time in nearly 50 years. Marino had served as a plane captain with Helicopter Utility Squadron Two aboard Intrepid, flying both the HUP and the newer Sikorsky HRS.

The HUP-2 Retriever arrives for the first time since her service aboard Intrepid over 50 years ago


The F-11 Tiger departs Intrepid for a trip to the restoration facility in Akron, Ohio.
Another project heading off to Thomarios is the Grumman F11F Tiger (designated F-11 after 1962). Our Tiger has some severe corrosion problems that the Thomarios team will need to address aggressively. This aircraft will be returned before the museum’s re-opening in November with a distinctive paint scheme of the US Navy air demonstration team, the Blue Angels! What makes this project exciting is that research has proved that this very aircraft was Blue Angel #5 in the show seasons between 1967 and 1968. These were the final years for the F-11 in Navy service and Blue Angel demonstrations, as they were replaced by the F-4 Phantom for the 1969 show season.

The restoration crew has already revealed the distinctive blue and golden yellow paint under the worn gray paint. For historical reference, a detailed photographic record is being made of each paint layer before repainting her to her former shiny blue glory.

In-house projects currently moving forward include the repainting of our F-16 Falcon. This aircraft served with the New York Air National Guard during the first Gulf War and therefore the paint scheme will reflect this era of historical service. Our grateful appreciation is extended to the folks at the 174th Fighter Wing in Albany, New York for their generous assistance in getting the markings applied correctly.

Intrepid aircraft restoration team, volunteers Carmine Stoffo, P.J. Aronica, Pete Cea and Dina Ingersoll. Restoration assistant Anthony Narozniak (second from left) joined the team this past winter. Not pictured, their fearless leader Eric Boehm.


Many thanks for the continued volunteer support from Staten Island. Our regular crew includes Carmine Stoffo, Pete Cea, P.J. Aronica, Dina Ingersoll, and Steve and Carmela Asnis. Without their unselfish contributions, none of this would be possible.

Next up will be our F3D Skyknight. We will be restoring this aircraft using the night fighter markings of Marine squadron VMF(N)-513, which made history while flying combat during the Korean War. There will be more details on this project next time, so stay tuned!