2008_10_intrep.jpgAfter a two-year refurbishing stint away from its West Side pier home, the U.S.S. Intrepid is making a grand return today. The aircraft carrier will be led by a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter as well as the same tugboats that eventually pulled it from its muddy spot--and NYC fireboats will have red, white and blue water sprays. The Intrepid will be leaving its homeport in Staten Island around 11:30 a.m. and is expected to pass the Statue of LIberty at around 12:15 p.m. Then it will stop near Ground Zero to unfurl an American flag, and should be at Pier 86 (46th St & 12th Ave) by 1:30 p.m. The U.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is scheduled to reopen on November 8.