CHARLESTON, S.C., June 8, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- U-Haul today announced the release of 1,200 new 17-foot moving vans showcasing South Carolina's historic H. L. Hunley submarine. In February 1864, the Hunley made history as the first underwater vessel to sink an enemy ship during combat.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3819
At 11 a.m. on Friday, June 15, U-Haul will officially unveil the South Carolina SuperGraphic as its "Venture Across America" Campaign visits the Warren Lasch Conservation Center at 1250 Supply Street, Building 255 in the Former Charleston Navy Base in North Charleston, South Carolina. Those attending the unveiling ceremony will have the opportunity to tour the conservation center to view the Hunley, along with facial reconstructions of the last eight crewmembers. The ceremony and U-Haul giveaways are free. For more information about attending the celebration, contact Friends of the Hunley at (843)722-2333 ext. 32.
In February 1864, after she became the first underwater vessel to sink an enemy ship, the Hunley mysteriously disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean. In August 2000, after more than 136 years on the ocean floor, the Hunley was raised from her untimely grave and taken to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston. For more than seven years, researchers and archaeologists have been uncovering secrets hidden within the sub and are coming ever-closer to solving the mystery of her sinking.
"We are thrilled to partner with Friends of the Hunley to educate the public about this vessel that made history more than 143 years ago," stated Ray Moore, president, U-Haul Company of South Carolina. "Now, people all over will have the privilege of seeing and learning more about the technologically advanced craft, as she travels the country with U-Haul on the sides of our moving vans."
"The Hunley project is honored and excited that U-Haul has selected the historical Hunley submarine as part of its `Venture Across America' Campaign," stated Sen. Glenn McConnell, Chairman of the South Carolina Hunley Commission. "We are in the process of solving one of the most intriguing mysteries in American history, and having the Hunley displayed on vehicles traveling across the country is a great opportunity for all to learn about this valuable time capsule in North Charleston, SC."
U-Haul has been decorating its moving trucks with vibrant images featuring distinctive features of every U.S. state and Canadian province since 1988 with the launch of the "America's Moving Adventure" and "Canada's Moving Adventure" SuperGraphics Campaigns. The newest graphics are part of the "Venture Across America" Campaign that highlights little-known facts about North America. Nearly 200 different images have been created since the SuperGraphics Program began. They can be viewed online by visiting www.uhaul.com/supergraphics.
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the undisputed choice for the do-it-yourself mover, with a network of more than 15,400 locations in all 50 United States and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 93,000 trucks, 80,675 trailers and 33,500 towing devices. As a result, U-Haul offers more than 380,000 rooms and more than 33.5 million square feet of storage space at more than 1,050 facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the consumer's number one choice as the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. U-Haul supplies alternative-fuel for vehicles and backyard barbecues as the nation's largest retailer of propane.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
