On Monday November 6th,
McAllister Towing will move the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid from her home on the
Hudson River at Pier 86 to Bayonne, NJ.
The task of moving the massive 920 ft. carrier will begin with a launching ceremony featuring such dignitaries as Senator Hillary Clinton and former NYC mayors David Dinkins and Ed Koch. Depending on tide and weather. The operation will consist of five tugs from McAllister.
The newly repowered Christine McAllister with 6,140 hp and 80 tons of bollard pull will be the lead tow tug. The vessel will be assisted by four highly versatile tractor tugs of the McAllister fleet. The Robert E., Kaleen, Vicki, and Brooklyn McAllister will add an additional 15,650 hp to the job.
Leading the operation will be McAllister Towing of New York’s Port Captain Patrick Kinnier. Captain Kinnier will be stationed on the flight deck and will coordinate the crew and line handlers. There are more than 50 line handlers aboard the ship and piers; they will be comprised of cadets from SUNY
Maritime College and former crewmembers who served aboard the Intrepid. Captain Jeff McAllister, who has over 25 years of maritime experience, will be the lead pilot aboard the Intrepid and will be coordinating the movement of the tugs from start to finish.
After the initial movement of the ship, there are specially planned events taking place along her route to Bayonne. At approximately 1100 the Intrepid should pass by Ground Zero where a 100-ft. American flag will be unfurled from the flight deck. This flag was on loan from the Intrepid Air and Space Museum to the crews at Ground Zero shortly after 9/11 where it hung as an inspiration for all to see. There is also a tribute at approximately 1300 from the Statue of Liberty with former crew members who served aboard the
USS Intrepid during WWII.
The USS Intrepid has been stationed at Pier 86 for 23 years. It is scheduled to be on leave for approximately two years for major renovations and improvements. While the aircraft carrier is away Pier 86 will be closed for a complete rebuild.