Historic U.S. Navy vessel open to public in Brooklyn Bridge Park

April 24, 2015 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Photo courtesy of Mercury LLC

Share this:

The Trenk Family Foundation announced on Friday that the historic Baylander IX-514, moored in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5, is open to the public with an expanded program offering. The Baylander will be kicking off the season and re-opening to the public on Saturday, offering free walk-up tours every weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Labor Day.

The Trenk Family Foundation is also excited to announce that the Baylander, a historic U.S. Navy vessel that was originally deployed during Vietnam and later used to train U.S. helicopter pilots, will be offering a senior fitness program on board every weekday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning Monday, May 4.

“We are thrilled to build upon last season’s success at the Baylander IX-514 and expand our programming this year,” said Al Trenk, a longtime aviation specialist and philanthropist, who helped bring the Baylander to Brooklyn. “Last year we brought the Baylander to the soon-to-be opened Brooklyn Bridge Park Marina so that thousands of New Yorkers would have the opportunity to visit, see and learn about a ship that was fully operational and designed to support helicopters from all military services and government agencies. We are honored this year to be able to offer expanded programs for local residents and continue to establish the Baylander as a member of the Brooklyn community.”

Friday’s announcement is part of a holistic program that will continue to grow over the summer and provide educational activities for Brooklyn residents of all ages. The Baylander will collaborate with local community groups, government agencies and other partners and stakeholders in the coming months to establish a series of events and programs that will further highlight the unique features on the Baylander while providing more community programs for visitors and Brooklyn residents alike.

About Baylander IX-514

The Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT), IX-514, began operations in April 1986 as a cost-effective training vessel, greatly needed to provide student Naval Aviators with underway single-spot deck landing qualifications. Equipped with a flight deck similar in size and appearance to that found on the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate, the HLT is certified to land and conduct flight operations with all but the largest helicopters found in the U.S. military. The Baylander is owned by The Trenk Family Foundation.