WW2 Museum's PT boat nearly restored; rides on lake planned

The National World War II Museum has nearly finished restoring a PT boat. (AP)

NEW ORLEANS – The National World War II Museum has nearly finished restoring a patrol torpedo boat that sank two armored German supply barges and carried U.S. commandos to the south of France. Officials hope to have PT-305 back on the water in about a year, carrying tourists and history buffs on the lake where it was first tested in 1944.

Restoration manager Tom Czekanski said 45-minute rides will enhance people's understanding of the boat.

He said remaining work will keep volunteers busy into June or July. The boat can't be moved to Lake Pontchartrain, however, until a boathouse is ready and the museum has raised the estimated $500,000 needed for the move, the boathouse and months of on-the-water tests.