From Jan. 13th Reuters.
After a decade of "careful preservation," Thursday, the Confederate submarine Hunley was removed from its steel truss and, according to engineer John King, "No one alive has ever seen the Hunley complete. We're going to see it today."
About 20 engineers and scientists applauded as the sub was fully revealed for the first glimpse of the 42-foot long narrow iron cylinder. It was truly the Confederacy's "Stealth Weapon."
Raised in the summer of 2000, the vessel sat in a 90,000 gallon tank of fresh water ever since in order to leach out the corrosive salt water.
Hey, here's another Mobile connection, the Hunley was built there by its inventor and namesake, Horace Hunley. Arriving in Charleston in 1863, it sank twice during sea trials, killing 13, including its inventor. The graves of these unfortunate men have been found under the football field of the Citadel University in Charleston.
On February 17, 1864, it attacked the USS Housatonic, sinking that ship with its 135 pound torpedo.
Ten tons of sediment has been removed from he sub and it certainly serves as a perfect time capsule.
Looking Forward to Seeing It. --Old B-Runner
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