English: Groton, Conn., May 8, 2002 — Nautilus (SSN 571), the world's first nuclear powered submarine, leaves the Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton en route Naval Submarine Base New London. Nautilus underwent a five-month preservation at a cost of approximately $4.7 million. On Jan. 17, 1955, USS Nautilus put to sea for the first time and signaled her historic message "Underway on nuclear power." She steamed submerged 1,300 miles from New London to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in just 84 hours. The success of Nautilus ensured the future of nuclear power in the Navy. Now a museum, Nautilus is expected to re-open to the public at Groton's Submarine Force Library and Museum by Armed Forces Day. The historic ship attracts some 250,000 visitors annually. U.S. Navy photo by Nicole Hawley.