Intrepid's Odyssey: My story behind the creation of the Intrepid Museum

Odysseys in flight, Inc., is a non, profit organization which IS, dedicated to bringing the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid to New York and turning her into the world's first international Aerospace and Naval Memorial Museum.

I was Eleven when WWII began for America when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. I kept a large map of the War's progress in Europe and Pacific.

Small flags represented the Allies and Axis movements on the map. Reports came from the Journal-American & Daily Mirror newspapers.

In 1957 I became an Air Traffic Controller at New York Air Route Traffic Control Center located at Idiewild Airport (today, JFK). 1963 the Center relocated to MacArthur Airport 1974 the Center celebrated its 10th Anniversary. I had the opportunity of displaying my 200-models depicting the History of Aviation.

After the celebration, I conceptualized the idea placing an Aeronautical & Naval Museum on a decommissioned WWII US Navy aircraft carrier. I am the original founder of USS INTREPID Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Retired 1999 from FAA. I built dioramas for the Cradle of Aviation & American Airpower Museums. I enjoy schools getting an education visiting the museums.

Michael D. Piccola born in 1930 in New York City. Grew up on the lower east side. At age 9, he became interested in model airplanes and ships. In 1950, he obtained his Commercial Pilot's License, Flight & Ground Instructor Ratings. Retired 1999 from the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller/Instructor after 41 years of government service.