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Video by Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten

Historic Ship Nautilus gets underway

Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32

Oct. 15, 2021 | 5:20

The 1954 Historic Ship Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, went "underway" for the first time in nearly two decades today when it left its place at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut, and was towed to nearby Naval Submarine Base New London.

There, she'll begin an estimated $36 million preservation project to ensure the National Historic Landmark will be fit to remain the centerpiece of the museum for the next 30 years.

The Nautilus preservation work will include the replacement of topside decking; the repair and painting of the hull and superstructure; inspection of internal and external tanks and voids; and upgrades to the lighting and electrical distribution. The overall project is expected to take up to eight months.

Nautilus served as an active U.S. Navy submarine for more than a quarter century before decommissioning in 1980 and, after an extensive conversion, opening as a museum ship on the Thames River waterfront in 1986.

She last left the museum moorings for preservation work in 2002.