Battleship Texas takes a massive step in its repair journey

[TexasTowelie]

GALVESTON, Texas — The historic Battleship Texas was placed back into the water for the first time in more than a year on Tuesday.

Battleship Texas has been undergoing much-needed repairs at the Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair in Galveston, Texas since 2022. The goal is to restore the ship to its World War II glory. So far, over 700 tons of steel have been replaced and the ship's hull has been painted.

Getting to see the ship move from one dock to the next was a treat for many despite the fog.

Around 9:15 a.m., the Battleship Texas moved from the dry dock to a nearby wet berth.

The Battleship Texas Foundation said it’s a cost-saving move that allows work to be done on the topside of the ship. That includes replacing the wood deck, more re-painting, and finishing work on the navigation bridge. This could last between 18 to 24 months.

Read more and view video: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/battleship-texas-back-into-water/285-7926c96d-28ba-4abf-be49-44eb7af448d3

[harumph]

1. DU'ers may not appreciate that this is the only super dreadnaught class

ship left. She was launched in 1912. It's worth a visit if in the Houston/Galveston region.

From Wikipedia: "Texas was also a technological testbed: the first U.S. battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, the first U.S. warship to control gunfire with directors and range-keepers, the first U.S. battleship to launch an aircraft,[6][7] and one of the first U.S. Navy warships to receive production radar. She was the first battleship in the world to be outfitted with 14-inch guns.[A 1]"

I visited as a child - so good memories.

[TexasTowelie]

2. My maternal grandparents used to live about a mile away from the ship when it was docked at the

San Jacinto monument. Since my grandfather fought at the end of World War I he was asked to donate his uniform and other memorabilia for display on the ship. I only went on one tour of the ship about 50 years ago.

[3Hotdogs]

3. One of the most extraordinary trips in my life .... Fall River, Mass. I was in northern Connecticut, on business to a

fishing wholesaler. We were on his boat finished our purpose and he says, Wait 'till you see this.

1/2 hour later, we are in the water, maybe 50 yards from the bow of the battleship, Massachusetts. We were 50 yards from the bow. I got a photo , looking like it was coming straight for us.

I haven't seen the photo or negative (pre digital) in a long time. But sooner or later, it will show up.