Workers began exterior repairs Tuesday on the aging USS Intrepid, which is dry docked in Bayonne.

The ship arrived in the Garden State in December 2006. It was moved to dry dock, where all the water was pumped out, earlier this month. The ship is in Bayonne for power washing, repairs and a fresh coat of paint.

Crews will eventually replace 20,000 pounds of steel, which will be supplied by New Jersey businesses. Four bronze propellers will be removed from the Intrepid before it heads to Staten Island for interior repairs. Three of the propellers will be put on display around the country. The fourth is being put up for sale and offered to the public.

Despite weather setbacks, crews say the ship will leave for Staten Island on its scheduled date of June 6, the D-Day anniversary. After the interior repairs, the ship will arrive back in New York City on Veterans Day in 2008.

For an extended interview with the president of the Intrepid Museum, go to channel 612 of your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.

Related Information:USS Intrepid moved to dry dock for extreme makeover Crew in Bayonne excited to start repair work on USS Intrepid Intrepid Museum