The USS Texas holds a significant place in American naval history, having served in both World War I and World War II.
Its restoration and transformation into a floating museum will undoubtedly provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about its storied past and the role it played in shaping world events.
The revitalization of such a historic vessel is a testament to the importance of preserving our military heritage for future generations to appreciate and understand.
The USS Texas (BB-35) stands as one of the New York-class battleships, designed to carry more firepower than its predecessors.
Laid down in 1911 in Newport News, Virginia, the Texas was a super-dreadnought that introduced the 14-inch gun to the U.S. fleet.
Its storied career is a tapestry of naval milestones, including launching the first American shots of World War I and being the first battleship to launch an aircraft.
As one of the few remaining battleships to have served in both World Wars, the USS Texas holds a special place in military history.
During World War II, its guns thundered during the D-Day invasion, prompting Ernest Hemingway to describe its firepower vividly, “There would be a flash like a blast furnace from the 14-inch guns of Texas.
Then the yellow-brown smoke would cloud out and, with the smoke still rolling, the concussion and the report would hit us, jarring the men’s helmets.
It struck your near ear like a punch with a heavy, dry glove.”
Following its decommissioning, the Texas was spared from scrap and instead memorialized as a museum ship.
Recent restoration efforts by the Battleship Texas Foundation have seen around 700 tons of steel replaced.
Ongoing work includes space restoration, deck replacement, and repainting.
Battleship Texas, under the stewardship of the Battleship Texas Foundation since 2020, will ultimately dock at Pier 20 in Galveston upon completion of repairs and negotiations.
This site will provide a fitting backdrop for Texas, allowing visitors to once again tread its decks and delve into its history, which resonates with naval strategy, technological advancements, and heroic warfare.