A monumental piece of American naval history has returned to Galveston waters: the USS Texas, the last surviving dreadnought battleship. After an 18-month, $21 million restoration, this century-old warship is reborn, fortified with hundreds of tons of new steel¹.
Having served in both World Wars, the USS Texas now stands as a testament to one of the most ambitious preservation efforts in U.S. naval history. As it settles into its berth, this storied vessel opens a powerful new chapter in its legacy.
A Legacy of Combat
The USS Texas was commissioned in 1914, featuring ten 14-inch caliber guns that were among the most powerful of their time. During World War I, she served with distinction in the British Grand Fleet, conducting crucial convoy escort missions in the North Sea.
The vessel’s early career included patrolling Mexican waters during political tensions and later escorting President Woodrow Wilson to peace negotiations in France. Significantly, she became the first battleship to fire at enemy ships in anger since the Spanish-American War, marking a pivotal moment in modern naval warfare.
Technical Specifications
The USS Texas was an engineering masterpiece of her era, with impressive specifications that made her a formidable force on the seas. With a full displacement of over 27,000 tons and measuring 573 feet in length with a beam of 95 feet, she was an imposing presence on the water. (ref)
Her hybrid propulsion system, utilizing both oil and coal, enabled her to achieve speeds of up to 21 knots, making her one of the faster battleships of her time.
The vessel’s defensive capabilities were equally impressive, featuring armor plating that ranged from 12 inches thick on the main belt to 13 inches on the gun turrets.
World War II Hero
The battleship’s finest moments came during World War II when she participated in every major amphibious assault in the European theater. During the D-Day invasion, the crew demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by intentionally flooding the ship’s torpedo blisters to increase their guns’ range, allowing them to provide crucial fire support for troops advancing inland.
The Texas fired over 5,000 rounds in the European theater alone, playing a vital role in sinking enemy ships and destroying coastal defenses. Her service extended to the Pacific theater, where she provided essential artillery support during the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
The Current Restoration
The comprehensive renovation at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair has been unprecedented in scope. Workers have invested nearly 300,000 man-hours replacing 700 tons of steel, conducting extensive hull repairs, and restoring anti-aircraft guns.
The project has faced numerous challenges, with total costs projected to reach $75 million. The restoration includes complete deck replacement, interior renovation, and extensive structural repairs to ensure the ship’s longevity as a museum vessel.
Looking Ahead
While the USS Texas is now back in the water, significant work remains before its anticipated reopening to the public in late 2025 or early 2026. The Battleship Texas Foundation continues fundraising efforts to transform the vessel into a state-of-the-art museum and educational center.
This historic warship, which has called Texas waters home since 1948, highlights American naval prowess and the sacrifices of the thousands of sailors who served aboard her.
Source:
Read Next:
Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
