When a German U-boat with an Enigma cipher machine onboard sends out a distress signal during a World War II battle at sea, the U.S. sends a Naval team disguised as German soldiers to steal the sophisticated encryption device. When their cover is blown upon boarding the German submarine, they must take the crew hostage to retrieve their target and destroy U-571 before the Nazis can send backup. © 2000 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.