The Problem: The USS Texas (BB-35), the only surviving battleship to have served in both World Wars, remains without a permanent home despite undergoing extensive restoration in Galveston, Texas. While plans initially aimed to berth the historic warship at Seawolf Park alongside other naval vessels, cost concerns due to necessary dredging halted the effort.
No Clear Solution Right Now: A new plan to moor the Texas on Galveston’s waterfront also faces opposition from local businesses over potential impacts to harbor views. As a result, the future location of this iconic battleship, which played pivotal roles in both World Wars, remains uncertain.
USS Texas: Only Battleship to See Service in Both World Wars is Homeless
One of the most significant warships in United States naval history is essentially homeless, despite the millions of dollars that have been invested to preserve the vessel. If ever there was a time to question the priorities of Americans, it would be now. The Houston Chronicle reported this week that plans for the Battleship Texas to be permanently berthed at the Port of Galveston “has run aground.”
The former USS Texas (BB-35), the only surviving battleship to have served in both World Wars, has been undergoing restoration at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair in Galveston for the past two years. During that time, more than 700 tons of steel was replaced while the ship’s anti-aircraft guns were refurbished. Since 2022, nearly 300,000 man-hours have already gone into the battleship’s restoration efforts.
The warship had only returned to the water in January and in August, the historic warship had been moved to Pier A for the next restoration phase. Plans were going full-steam ahead on the repairs, but it may not be smooth sailing going forward.
Finding a Permanent Home for the Battleship USS Texas
The significance of USS Texas can’t be overstated. As noted, she had seen service in both World Wars, was present during the D-Day landings in Normandy, and took part in combat operations in the Pacific. In addition, the warship had served as a test bed for the U.S. Navy during the interwar period.
In any other country, cities would pull out all the stops to court the Battlefield Texas Foundation, but apparently even in the Lone Star State, USS Texas isn’t getting the love she so rightfully deserves…