CivilWarScriptsJM09

Ive been working on the submarine all the live long day Ive been working on the submarine to attack the housatonic dont you hear the water swishing outside the hunley dont you hear the captain shouting, "hunley shoot that torpedo."

Hunley wont you blow Hunley wont you blow hunley wont you blow your torpedo (repeat)

Julie: the day is long Melissa: the nights are sleepless J: we work till its time to attack M: the HL Hunley journey.

N: The journey taken by the HL Hunley crew was difficult. The crew of 9 (8 to crank the propellor, and 1 to steer) risked their lives in the rapid waters, earning a place in history as heroes. Here is the story of the brave crew, and the mysterious disapearence of the wartime submarine, the HL Hunley.

N: The story begins with the building of the submarine. Built by Park and Lyons of Mobile, Alabama in 1863, the Hunley was constucted. M: Hello, Mr. Lyons, can you hand me that tool please? J: Sure thing, Mr. Park, here you go. (Sounds of workers in background) J: So Mr. Park, what exactly is the plan, again? M: Well, we are starting with a cylinder-shaped iron steam boiler. Right now, we are deepening and lengthening it and closing off the ends on a point. Each end will be balanced with tanks that could be flooded or pumped dry manually. J: Oh thank you Mr. Park, lets get to work. (Five min. later) M: So, Mr. Lyons, how will this submarine be used exactly? J: Well, we are making this for the Confederates for the use of undersea warfare. Their job will be to attack the USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbor off the coast of South Carolina. M: I see, now. Back to work.

N: The year was 1864, the day February 17 when the HL Hunley made its attack and went down in history as the first submarine to sink a ship in wartime. J: Are you ready to go to the Charleston Harbor? M: Yes, sir. Our torpedoes are readily packed with explosive powder. So when we hit them, their ship and crew will blow! N: At the time of the attack... J: I see them ahead, sir! M: Okay, get ready to attack! N: At that time, the Hunley rammed into the Housatonic. (Sound effects-screams and explosions) But not everything went as planned. Not only did the Housatonic go down with its 5 crew members, but the Hunley went down with its crew of 9. It accomplished its mission in sinking the Housatonic, but was lost at sea for over 130 years.

N: 131 years later, best selling author, Clive Cussler, and his team from the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) found the Hunley after a long 14-year search. M: Alright team, it looks like we found what we've been searching for. J: Yes, Mr. Cussler, we have evidence of parts found underwater of the HL Hunley. The forward hatch and the ventilator box were both recovered. M: Good job team, it seems the submarine rested on its side at about a 45 degree angle. Over the years it seemed to have build up some sort of coating on its surface. J: I guess our work here is done.

N: Although the HL Hunley and its crew didn't survive the attack, it went down as a group of brave men and their submarine, that will forever be known. The crew accomplished much and became the first crew to sink a ship in wartime. Thanks to the hard work of Cussler and his team, their story can be shared as a legacy. ...Just like ours!!!!!!