CHICAGO, April 8 (UPI) -- Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry slowly began moving its captured World War II German submarine U-505 to its final resting place under the lawn.
The 700-ton sub has been a major exhibit outside the lakefront museum for half a century, but time and 50 winters have taken their toll in terms of rust and corrosion. The 252-foot sub, captured by the U.S. Navy off the coast of Africa in June 1944, was jacked up five feet and placed on 18 huge rubber-wheeled dollies that are inching it toward a new climate-controlled, underground vault that will preserve the sub for future generations.
"The reason we're going to such great efforts to save to boat is to keep this story alive long after we're gone, for generations to come," said Museum President and CEO David Mosena.
There are only five surviving World War II-era German submarines left in the world. The public was invited to watch the 10-day move from bleachers and on an Internet webcam.
The U-505 will be slowly lowered 42-feet -- four inches at a time -- into its new $35 million home April 21. The indoor underground exhibit will open to the public in spring 2005.
