This past Saturday, museum guests and staff were privileged to take part in Intrepid’s ‘Meet the Pilots Day’. Intrepid hosted a group of inspiring pilots – some of whom flew the exact aircraft on display at Intrepid– for a day that included a panel discussion and meet and greet with visitors.
The day started with a panel discussion in the Lutnick Theater, featuring Sam Folsom (Intrepid Volunteer and pilot of the FJ-3 Fury), Rollie Shea (Intrepid’s A-4B Skyhawk), Lew Chatham (Intrepid’s F-11F Tiger), Brent Richardson (Intrepid’s F-16 Falcon), and Frank Murray (A-12 Blackbird). During the panel, moderated by former Top Gun instructor Mike Barger, the pilots shared their stories and answered questions from the audience in the packed theater.
After a private lunch with the pilots, their family and museum members, the pilots made their way to either the Flight Deck or Hangar Deck. Positioned at their aircraft, the pilots spent the afternoon talking with museum guests about their experiences and taking lots of photos. In addition to the pilots from our panel, Intrepid Volunteer John Gill was also stationed at the Avenger, the aircraft type that he flew during WWII.
(L-R) Brent Richardson, Rollie Shea, Lew Chatham, Mike Barger, John Gill, Frank Murray, and Intrepid’s Eric Boehm
Mike Barger talks about being a Top Gun
Lew Chatham at ‘his’ F11F Tiger
Frank Murray at the Blackbird
Sam Folsom at the FJ-3 Fury
John Gill at the Avenger
Brent Richardson at ‘his’ F16 Falcon
Rollie Shea at ‘his’ Skyhawk