USS Intrepid, also known as "The Fighting I," is one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. It is the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Built in the early 1940s, Intrepid participated in several campaigns, most notably the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After World War II this ship was used for various purposes including an antisubmarine carrier during the Vietnam War, and as a recovery ship for a Mercury and Gemini space mission. In 1982 Intrepid became the foundation of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.