Lars and Corrin on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Corrin’s German host-brother, Lars, is visiting New York City for the first time. He wanted us to show him something special in the city that was “very American”, and which would be of benefit for him to see with a guide. Given the beautiful weather on Saturday, the Intrepid was the clear winner.
The Space-Race exhibit was a clear favorite with Lars, as he was familiar with the Russian side of history.
I was completely enamored with the special exhibition on Women in Aviation: World War II. (Seriously, my favorite military topic AND my favorite era? Be still my I-wish-I’d-been-born-15-years-later-and-accepted-my-naval-commission heart.)
Corrin enjoyed herself most on the flight deck itself, looking at the fighter planes and helicopters. She and Lars are posed in front of a Vietnam-era Army Huey above one of the last two of these choppers left in existence. Just behind the Huey (and mostly obscured by it) are an Army Cobra and a Marine Sea Cobra, both attack helicopters, and the two pieces of equipment that had the greatest emotional impact on us. Both helicopters are designed such that when the rotors are engaged (e.g. in flight), it’s impossible for the loading doors to be opened. As such, neither the pilot nor the gunner are equipped with parachutes or ejection seats.
I want to talk it over with Dad when he comes to visit this weekend, but I think that the Intrepid will be joining my collection of charities to support this year. I love the museum, and the focus of curating the Humanity of the military. Sharing it with someone for whom this story was completely fresh and unique helped me understand just how amazing it really is.
