NYC Fleet Week on The Intrepid

May 28, 2011
Pier 86, Intrepid, NYC

Fleet Week!

Dearest Dolls Fans,

“If there’s anything I like better than pilots, its sailors.”

  Fresh from the Lynchburg Air Show and our party with The Blue Angels, circus pilots and free fallers, I was excited to see some soldiers on my own turf. Summer subways kicked in today and I was running late! Late, to a show I have been looking forward to for months. I was speed walking my way west on 46th street when I spotted a pack of Marines heading right towards me. I smiled; they said hello and my jitters left me. Happy Memorial Day! Minutes later I arrived onto the Intrepid and was shown to our dressing room. As soon as we got changed, CW2 Ted McGuire, 2nd Engineering Officer of the USAV Gen Frank S. Besson Jr. LSV-1 gave us the grand tour of his ship.

  Mallorie and I were unfazed by the living quarters, narrow staircases and wet suit displays. Not to burst anyone’s bubble but that is exactly what it’s like below passenger decks on cruise ships.

  After our tour, we checked out the planes on the top deck of the Intrepid courtesy of the lovely and hospitable Julie Starr and took some photos with some handsome gentlemen from the USS Carr. We even have an old Blue Angel plane right here in Manhattan!


  3:55 was our quickie sound check and 4:00 was go time! As we were singing, our crowd grew and I watched friends and family arrive little by little as they made it through the lines at the front gate. That is the true thrill of playing right here at home. Mom and Dad get to watch! Singing “Anchors Away” while gazing at a backdrop of the USS Iwo Jima was truly a special moment. We concluded with “God Bless America” accompanied by a full audience sing along.
  
  After the show, we ran around taking photos accompanied by a small entourage of friends and organized by my father. Thanks, Dad!
  
  Before we headed up to change, we thought, what else do we need a photo of? More sailors in white! Well, just as we were approaching our dressing room, a pack of them emerged from a doorway. Perfect timing!
  Once we were back in our “civvies,” we split up. I had a lovely evening at the pub with my buddies and at the end of the day, I was home. New York shows are so convenient!


Until we sing again,
Annemarie Rosano, Manhattan Doll