Museum of Science and Industry “Launches” U-505 Submarine on Final Voyage

Since 04/28/04

NSL UPDATE 04-16-2004

 Museum of Science and Industry “Launches” U-505 Submarine on Final Voyage
From Navy Office of Information Midwest Public Affairs

CHICAGO (NNS) -- In an unconventional christening ceremony April 8, two Museum of Science and Industry benefactors smashed a champagne bottle against a German U-Boat’s bow and launched the vessel on its final voyage--to a state-of-the-art exhibit hall. After 50 years of braving the Chicago elements, the U-505 is moving from an outdoor courtyard to an underground, climate-controlled space that will help preserve this unique World War II artifact. The new $35-million exhibit will immerse visitors in USS Guadalcanal (CVE 60) Task Force 22.3�s dramatic search for, and capture of, the enemy submarine.

Four members of the USS Pillsbury (DE 133) boarding party, who kept the U-505 from sinking after the German crew tried to scuttle it, were present to celebrate the event. Also on hand to witness the beginning of the submarine�s remarkable journey were Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley; Cmdr. Craig Selbrede, commanding officer of USS Chicago (SSN 721); and Museum President David Mosena. "It is important to preserve artifacts like the U-505 so children will understand the great peril World War II service members experienced," Daley said. "It is important for all of us to discuss history with our children today, and it is important to reflect on the men and women who serve today to protect our freedoms."

Selbrede told guests that the Navy gleaned important information from the U-505, the first enemy vessel captured by the Navy on the high seas since the War of 1812, such as intelligence that allowed the Navy to break German codes and to develop anti-torpedo countermeasures. "Many of the engineering principles we learned are still used in today�s submarine force," he added, before thanking the City of Chicago for preserving this piece of Navy history.

To prepare for the move, NORSAR Services Inc. of Everett, Wash., a company that specializes in lifting massive industrial and marine objects, cut away 50-year old concrete supports and replaced them with 18 remote-controlled dollies. The dollies will help the submarine roll approximately 1,000 feet over several days toward the new exhibit space. April 21 and 22, the 700-ton submarine will be lowered 42 feet into its new space with the help of a complex skid system.

The U-505 exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry is one of Chicago�s treasures, and one of only five U-boats remaining worldwide. The submarine was nearly destroyed after the war, but supporters, including Task Force 22.3 Commander and Chicago native Rear Adm. Daniel Gallery, embarked on a fundraising campaign to bring the boat to the Midwest. After traveling through the St. Lawrence Seaway and through the Great Lakes, the U-505 rolled across Lake Shore Drive and into its current parking spot in 1954. Nearly 24 million visitors have toured it. The new underground exhibit will open in mid-2005.

More information on the U-505, including Web cam footage of the move, is available at www.msichicago.org/exhibit/U505/index.html