I worked on the Texas as a volunteer in the early 1990's. I can tell you there's a smell of paint and steel in that ship that is unique and just makes you feel like you're in the time of those previous generations. Had the honor of meeting a very old man who served on the Texas during WW2 during my time there and he took us below deck to show us where his old locker was. He opened it up, looked inside, and went, "There it is." Then about three of us crowded around to see what he was talking about and he grinned and went, "Made you look."
Credit to the Americans for maintaining and restoring historic vessels like this, if she'd have been a British Dreadnaught she would have been scrapped decades ago. The Iowa class were elegant and powerful ships but Texas was a perfect example of a WW1 Dreadnaught much like the British Queen Elizabeth class. You could only wish there were more like her still around.
+Deevo037 She is not in great shape, and neither is the U.S.S. Olympia the last of the armored cruisers in the world. Neither of these ships are in the state that H.M.S. Warrior is, because the U.S. Government doesn't spend the money to restore them. '
+Deevo037 Its a shame then,that they didn't take the time to save and preserve the German heavy cruiser The Prinz Eugen. In historic terms, the Prinz Eugen was one of the most successful vessels of WW2, assisting the Sharnhorst and Battleship Bismark throughout the war. What major conflict of real importance during the war, did the Texas take part in. The only reason they want to preserve her,is because she is American, and not any historical reason.
+Peter Lewis Like so many other amazing German technical wonders they were destroyed out of utter hatred. I wish there was more ME109's, BF109's, Focke-wolf 190's, JU 88's, ME262's etc etc etc Not even the German tanks were spared. Nothing but lost history, Same could be said for the Japanese planes. Not many of them around either...like who the hell wouldn't want a mitsubishi Zero??
+Peter Lewis I hear ya. Seeing the greatest WWII ships as museum's would have been great. I wished the navy preserved the Nagato, repaired it, and gave it back to Japan to make it a museum. That would have been a reason to go to Japan and see the Japanese capital ship with its distinctive Pagoda mast.
I used to live in Pasadena,Texas. I was able to tour the Texas in 1987 and walk her decks. I was amazed. Totally taken back by her mighty size. I personally like dryberth proposal number 4. I would like to return some day before I die to see her again. I am in bad health however and just don't have the money for the trip. She is the most impressive ship that I ever had the honor to see first hand. God bless those who served on her and hats off to the state of Texas for caring for her! Rick Starr
@@Qikdraw They are preparing the ship to be brought to a dry dock, and as of now have completed necessary structural repairs and have nearly filled all the torpedo blister tanks with foam (they're foaming the tanks to minimize flooding, and have already made sure it can be removed later). The ship is expected to be moved later this year.
gymover --- you are about the same age as me. I went to visit the USS Texas many times through the years. I've not lived in the area for 30 years and didn't know it was in such bad shape. I'm glad she has been restored and will be around for many more generations to see.
I toured the Olympia in Philadelphia and was fascinated by the detail and arrangements of that ship. I look forward to seeing the Texas restored and in shape again.
What a wonderful story! It's great that a piece of American Naval history has been restored for generations to come and see and learn about what made their freedom possible.
USS Texas is the last surviving Dreadnought Battleship on Earth. She is the last surviving ship of the US Navy to serve in both World Wars and was the first battleship museum that is still active today. She now floats at the San Jacinto state battleground memorial. A multimillion dollar plan is in the works to take her out of the water which is eating through her hull and place her in a dry berth permanently.
Now she has outlived all who built her and all who fought with her. She stands proudly as one who helped defeat one of the worst dictators the world has ever witnessed. Long may she live.
I remember playing on this ship at San Jacinto in the mid 80's before it was restored. It was like a big historic playground. I was also there for her being brought back out after restoration. Awesome ship.
Yeah she's currently rotting away in a harbour, they wanted to dry dock her but she's so rusted through that she would collapse under her own weight. Yes ,2020
My Great Uncle was her XO in 1918. Sailed with the Grand Fleet to England where they put on a show for the Brits called "An Evening in Yankeeland on the USS Texas". Photos show it was an exuberant affair of skits with American History themes.
My brother was a security guard on this proud vessel.The restoration of her put many people to work and continues to generate income as a tourist attraction.This what respect for History does!!
Had the honor and pleasure of spending a night aboard the vessel during it's hundredth anniversary. It's an incredible ship. Well worth seeing if you get a chance.
i visited the Texas both before and after the restoration. Before you could look at her and see her leaning to the side, and the concrete deck was cracked and broken in many places and don't even get me started on the rust. After she looked like she looked much "happier" she sat straight, her now wood decks looked almost new, and what little rust i found could easily be fixed with a good coat of paint i am extremely happy with the work done. She deserves nothing less
I was able to get below-decks on a "hard-hat" tour and it was amazing. I am very disappointed that the care-takers were unable to get the ship out of the water long ago. Much of the damage from exposure is now irreparable.
My Father wasn't a Texas native, but while a resident of Texas he enlisted before Pearl Harbor, his company (my Dad was a captain) landed at the Normandy D-Day.. The people of Texas were extremely supportive of the troops, then and now.
I drive by her every day & she gets the salute she deserves from me.MCPO E Div.'81-'07 spent my last "bobblehead" year on the Texas SSN-775 "Don't mess with Texas"
TBirdNeil definitely worth visiting, also the monument is right across the street from the battleship. That's worth a visit as well just be sure to go all the way up to the star
My Grandfather was the C.O. on the Texas during the 20s for 4 years. I hope the fix this treasure again. Its a fine monument the men who served aboard her.
she is not a CLASSIC she is not a MUSEUM she is not an ATTRACTION she is a warship, a dreadnought. the last of her kind. like HMS Victory and HMS Warrior in Britain (where i am from) Texas must be preserved in active condition. anything less is an insult to her and all she was built to protect. long live USS Texas.
+beaney56 I went aboard the Texas in '96; from having been left to rest essentially sunk in brackish water for many years, the lower engineering spaces are destroyed. Several years ago there was a story of rags being stuffed into holes in the side of the hull as a stop-gap measure. Best thing that can happen is the planned permanent dry-docking. Olympia is another one that needs dry-docking post haste.
Ah! You would not recognise her today! Bushies may be idiiots, but they know how to drydock a warship in perpetuity. Steel is what it is, and seawater is what it is. For a ship with so little battle history, they have done her right.
I like to think she could be in service, but we're having difficulty getting enough funding to restore her leaking hull. The city is more interested in building bike trails in Harvey flood zones than restoring anything historic. Frankly, she's moored in the wrong place now. Originally, the idea was to be coupled with the San Jacinto Monument, but that's not as popular, now that NASA / Kemah is established.
beaney56 so correct. Very few of the old battlewagons are left, it is a shame that the others were scrapped or sunk during the atomic bomb tests in the Pacific.
beaney56 you live in fantasy land. The ship is outdated and a drain on resources. She deserves her retirement just as HMS victory. They've done their part they deserve to be loved and admired. Keeping ships at sea especially these kinds actually damages them. If HMS Victory were to ever sail she would sink. She's bowed in the middle from dry dock.
I also have to say, I've been there several times and its a GREAT tour deep in history (100+ years old). I believe it is the oldest US Battleship and it was by luck it wasn't sunk all these years survived.
An old friend of mine was the radio man on the Texas during the attack on pearl harbor. He was relaying messages to his co during the attack. MB was an exceptional man
How do you neglect a museum ship for so long that she ends up with holes from rusting and floods?? better yet how do you let it flood full of water and not do anything and continue to let her rust...
russell5078084 it would just be a huge missile platform. long range ship to ship missiles have made large caliber guns much less useful. railgun might change that but I doubt we'll see that big a difference
Karl Budde with all the weapon systems under development right now, and one's that are available now that we don't know about, I think you underestimate the possibilities.
That's only because today's ships are so lightly armored, a standard high explosive charge is most effective. A simple Russian shoulder fired RPG's shaped charge could penetrate Iowa's armor. Now imagine one scaled up to fit a cruise missile with a 400 mile range and a 1000 lb payload....Yeah, that armor might as well not exist. That is all assuming of course that your enemy is going to purposely shoot you right where your thickest armor is, which they wont.
My Great-grandfather was in the 2nd Ranger Battalion on D-Day at Pointe Du Hoc. He said the Texas was firing right over his head before the landing, and he was VERY appreciative! Long live the ole girl!
I am involved with the restoration of another WWII era warship and we are facing some of the same problems the Texas restoration did. Dry docking is extremely expensive and alteration of waterways is also not trivial and governed by miles of red tape. At this juncture we are relying on donations and have a grant pending to cover the cost of a dry dock to replace the hull plates on the bottom of the ship. Great video Thanks.
The Queen Mary in Long Beach California is considered a landmark and a building because she has no engines or props and no boilers and so was or is the Texas as well also the Queen Mary is also falling apart just like Texas
I would give up everything I have to go back in time and serve aboard the ship of my states namesake, to feel that pride, knowing that I'm fighting for my families freedom.
Thank you for this fine video. I have been aboard this impressive ship, the last veteran of WW I. It was in the 6th Battlesquadron of the Grand Fleet, the US battleships integrated with our British friends. It fought in the Atlantic and the Pacific in WW II. What a career!! We must preserve it. The fees paid to board it do NOT help maintain it, to our shame in Texas. Texas must do more, and the US can do something more too. I saw a dinghy going to pieces on it. What a shame.
Boy there’s some dumb on this post. “Concrete does not accelerate rust”? Come on man. You’ve never seen the rebar in a concrete column rust and spall the concrete?
The concrete accelerates due to cracking and water getting through the cracks to the main deck metal. I know this for a first hand fact happened Texas for I was a Texas volunteer (1986 - 2007)
She's a beauty alright. Been aboard her a few times. All back in the 70's though. Haven't been back home to Texas a lot since I joind and subsequently retired from the Army. And as a side-bar, My Grandad wired and placed the original red beacon on top of The San Jacinto monument. Pretty proud of that, especially being a Born and Raised Texan. Hope I get to visit her again someday.
This grand old lady is the very last of her kind and I for one am glad that she was restored. We have 4 Iowa class battleship museums. This is ship is unique and different. Bravo, State of Texas, for keeping your namesake alive for all to see. I hope to visit her someday. Just a word to the wise for all, The Cruiser Olympia in Philadelphia is also the last of her kind. Far older than USS Texas, she too needs to be saved.
I live 13 miles from Battleship Cove in Fall River Massachussets. We have the BB59 Battleship Massachussets in near pristine restored condition and every 4th of july her guns are fired. We also have the Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy also in great condition. We also have the Submarine USS Lionfish...along with a Russian Minesweeper. Our museum of ships is one of the best in the world if not the best. All vessels are open to the public in seasonal due to harsh winters back here and the Battleship Massachussets is used for many functions with youth group sleepovers in the sailors bunks along with many ceremonys held on her deck.
Brian Cabral I have done my homework, I've went their many times on top of that. Yes, it was built in the USSR (Not technically "Russia")(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantul_class_corvette it was launched in Leningrad/St Petersburg specifically) But it never served with the Soviet navy, it served entirely in the German "navies" (East German Navy / Deutsche Marine). I've already said this but it's not a minesweeper, it's a guided missile corvette. To help prove my point, the Hinddensee (previously known as the Rudolf Egelhoffer) was launched in 1984, and entered service with East Germany in 1984. So East German navy briefly huh? 1990-1991 in the Deutsche Marine, then in April of 92' to the USN.
Brian the Brain Fortunately, those plans were scrapped. We want to see the USS United States as it were - just like the Queen Mary. We don't want another hideous floating condo.
Brian the Brain I disagree. I'd rather see it scrapped than defaced. Imagine if they decided to "preserve" the battleship Taxes by removing its primative guns by replacing them with state of the art heat seeking missle launchers, and made all kinds of other modifications. They might as well just have scraped the ship and build something else from scratch.
StudSupreme not really. It's just to slow and inaccurate. At 21kn it's just not efficient to have in a modern day war. To get Texas to modern standards, she'd need to have the engines replaced, missile systems fitted, new guns, completely refitted hull and armor plating, and a new sensor suite. I love the Texas, but I don't want her to go back in war. She's pretty as she sits.
Actually the name 'dreadnought' was adopted as a class of ship that revolutionised the 'Battleship'. The very first full steel construction steam turbine powered "Battleship" with a full, uniform, main battery (all main guns could target the same location together) was built by the British and was called HMS Dreadnought - so called because the ship feared nothing as it was so much more powerful & faster than any other ship at the time (1906).
Although this is a very dated video (video 240p?) it's really a shame that no Texas multimillionaire (Mattress Mac, for example, or numerous oil tycoons or Texas sports stars) have to stepped up to the plate to jump start the renovation and preservation of the TEXAS.
Exactly... I was under the impression Texas is littered with millionaires and more than a fair share of billionaires. There has to be a least of few dozen hyper patriotic souls among them that could pony up 10-20 million each.
I went to so many field trips to the battleship Texas that I could run through her blindfolded. I am glad I lived close to the battleship in my childhood and developmental years.
Let the old girl teach us all a lesson. War is never pretty, but we must be ever vigilant. Fighting ourselves is not the answer, but debate. But if we should be attacked, cast aside your prejudices, Rally to your fellow man, be he or she whatever they are, and stand United, as once the great crew of the Texas once did in the defense of our nation. She, and so many of her fallen brethren of those terrible times. And never forget, the sacrifices made by the men of that time. Let us no longer waste the opportunity and future they gave us
I have a friend of mine who was a merchant marine engineering officer who'd gotten drafted into the U.S. Navy during the '50s (direct commission). Pulling a fix like that - using concrete to patch a deck - in order to get a destroyer through storm damage in the Pacific drove an Annapolis-graduate commanding officer just about out of his mind. Kept the ship on-station and completed the mission, though. Definitive repairs at Pearl afterwards were a piece of cake.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong, That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long. God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong, That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long
It's sad the ship from my state (USS Nevada) was the only battleship at Pearl Harbor to make way during the attack and the ship was used as target practice for nukes and sunk.
In the next 20 years, rocket accelerated artillery will advance technologically enough that the cost to reactivate and modernize the Iowa class battleships would actually be worth it. As of now it would only cost anywhere from 1 to 3 billion dollars to modernize and reactivate a Iowa class batlleship. A Zumwalt class ship costs way more than that to build. With rocket accelerated projectiles a 16" deck gun could get ranges as far as cruise missiles and be able to lob them at a fraction of the cost, and deliver more HE to the target, with a faster rate of fire, and a larger magazine.
Br!an Delta V it would likely be a better use of money at that point to build new battleships rather than refiting ships that are now 70+ years old. a ship with a modern hull, modern armour design, modern electorinics, machinery and the artillery system you describe maybe even railguns would be much more worthwile than refitting the Iowas again
My dad took to see the Texas when I was about 7 years old. That was around 1965-66. I thought it was the biggest ship in the world. Everything was huge including the prop that was sitting on her deck. I love that old ship.
it could do the same with any modern ship as well. given that said modern ship isnt carrying cruise missiles. look at the Iowa though. the Iowa battle ship used cruise missiles as well
Ray Hansen I’ll pit Texas against the SMS Bayern and the Japanese Fusō and Kongō. Bayern has 380mm guns in 4 twins and has 170-350 mm armor. Fusō has 356mm guns in 6 twins and 229-305 mm armor. Kongō has 360mm guns in 4 twins and has 76-203 mm armor. Texas has 356mm guns in 5 twins and has 254-305 mm armor. Bayern has an artillery advantage and a slight armor advantage over Fusō and Texas. So technically, yes, but only specific ships. Bayern has a pretty good chance of beating Texas. Kongō would have to use her 380mm guns to attack Texas first, and maybe she’ll win. Texas’ 356mm shells should cut straight through Kongō’s 203mm armor. Fusō doesn’t stand a single chance. Her 356mm guns in 6 twins could put up a fight, but Texas will win. So yeah, it probably could
"This is the last one, there won't be anymore". I wonder if this one is still intact 100 - 200 years after? What will people imagine then when they see this? What feeling will people get when they see the HMS Victory ?( If it still exists). I guess nothing like these ships will ever exist. This is the last iron floating castle from the biggest naval arms race of all history, and will remind us of the beautiful, proud and innocent machines we made as compared to today's and our future horrors.
The Iowa Class Battleships are still afloat bigger guns 9x 16in main battery and Tomahawk Cruse Missiles for Armament they are the true LAST OF THEIR KIND Iowa & Missouri the ship the Japanese surrendered on the bow are for sure still around look up Sleeping Giant USS MISSOURI
I'm sorry to say, and I don't mean to offend, the Iowa class is a great ship, but it was built on an era when the battleships didn't really fit their role anymore. The Texas was built on a time when battleships were ships of the line, ready for fleet engagements without aircraft being involved. The Iowa shoot its cannons a lot of times, but never really for what they were meant to.
Antonio Vargas On what do you base your insult? Is it because I do not feel the same way you? I love my country, and insulting me is insulting America. I am not going to listen to some yokel bad mouth The United Sates of America. Good riddance traitor.
My ship, U.S.S. O'Brien DD-725, was instrumental in saving Texas from German artillery fire off the Cherbourg Peninsula in 1944. She put down a smoke screen to block the Germans' view of the Texas. Texas and other historic ships like her must be preserved. They are a significant part of our history.
SAVE THE TEXAS FOR SHE HAS FOUGHT MANY WARS, AND SEEN MANY BATTLES! LET HER PRESENCE REMIND US BOTH WARS AND ALL SACRAFICES MADE! GOD BLESS THE USA AND HER SOLDIERS OF TODAY AND THE PAST!
I remember as a school child we made a field trip from Beaumont, 90 miles away for a tour of the Texas. This was in about 1947-1949. she was very impressive to young children.
Because you can't save them all. So you save a few that are remarkable for some reason. Missouri served with great distinction during WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and the 91 gulf war. That's right she served again for 91. The peace treaty from Japan was also signed on her deck. That's why.
Because you can't save them all. So you save a few that are remarkable for some reason. Missouri served with great distinction during WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and the 91 gulf war. That's right she served again for 91. The peace treaty from Japan was also signed on her deck. That's why.
I think it would be great to remember WW1, by preparing this ship to make a new trip around the globe and visit countries like Britain, France, Belgium and Italy!
dan danny Well probably it is indeed not ready right know for such a trip, but if this beaty would have all the cilinders firing, not even a hurricane would be able to beat it!
lutherheggs So I guess if the Texas had taken the place of the Arizona you would feel the same way. As I recall the Arizona wasn't built in Arizona either. According to your way of thinking lets just scrap the USS Olympic. You know, the Great White Fleet!?
Which of my posts are you responding to? As for scrap iron, I meant the ships at Pearl were ww1 vintage. With their 11 mile range 14 inch guns they would be hopelessly outclassed against the yamato's 23 mile range 18 inch guns. They were still useful for carier protection as as shore shelling batteries at times. But basically just scrap iron in 1941
Brilliant, thanks for posting. Every country needs to preserve their navy history. Sadly the majority don't, no matter how great the service of that vessel. eg: USS Enterprise.
As the only surviving WWI battleship Texas is a unique example of naval design. During WWII America's older battleships saw much use as floating anti aircraft batteries while on escort duty, and, as this video shows, for shore bombardment during landing operations. In fact on December 7 1941 there were only two modern US battleships in commission - Washington and North Carolina - and they were both in the Atlantic fleet.
I love this ship. I myself would volunteer if it wasn't so far. Ive been on one of the hard hat tours mentioned below and they are unbelievable. It's almost sad that there are so few of these battleships left, and that they are just sitting in shallow berths rusting away :( In my mind they still can serve a purpose as an offshore artillery platform.
i love this ship i live only 30mins from this epic vessel only thing i do not understand is why dosent texas sale models of BB35 work at a art craft store we have models of arizona an other battleships yet no texas....
Nathan Peterson They do? Were can I purchase one? The ones I've managed to find online are always resin kits. I do not have any experience with building that type of kit. Are there kits out there of the Texas that are plastic?
This vessel is one-of-a-kind. I am not sure, but with the exception of an earlier battleship (Mikasa?) in Japan, USS Texas is the only early-twentieth century battleship in existence. Hope the people of Texas continue to support keeping it.
You are right! I had forgotten the Olympia. I think it was Admiral Dewey's flagship during the battles in The Phillipines in the Spanish-American War although I'm not sure about that.
The Texas is the only wwi battleship still afloat. Commissioned in 1914, she served for wwi, both naval theaters in wwii, and stayed in active use until the end of 1948. She is the last of the dreadnought class battleship and is considered a state landmark. I've been to the Texas many times and have seen the damage. Texas parks and wildlife is planning in making a permanent dry dock for the ship to rest in, but I believe that her lower hull should be fully replaced and dock her in a dock that is separated from the salty sea water (a dock that is isolated but still allows her to float). Then build some docks that go along the water level so people can get different views. Besides I think it would be nice to fully restore her and be able to access all parts of the ship.
Isn't that great? California is fortunate to have her. I grew up in Iowa, so I have had a special interest in her preservation as a monument to those who served. I wrote a pile of letters when there was talk of scrapping her and got two responses from Clive Cussler and Sen. Chuck Grassley. Bless them both for their roles in her salvation.
All four of the Iowa class battleships would cost 1 to 3 billion dollars to return to active duty. I believe within 20 years rocket accelerated artillery technology will advance enough to warrant their return to service. They are also steam powered and ripe for a 5th generation nuclear power plant.
By 2012 the ship needed more hull repairs. I worked at a steel mill in Baytown, about 15 miles away. I asked if they could use some steel for the repairs. "Oh yes, we get pieces domated by the local fabrication shops. Do you have some"? I said No, how many truckloads do you need?. After clearance from our parent company we donated 80,000 pounds of plates.
The New York-class were the best looking post-dreadnoughts. It's incredibly sad that out of all the Dreadnoughts and post-dreadnoughts, only Texas survives. But they couldn't have chosen a more beautiful ship to preserve. God bless the Texas!
Actually, casting concrete aggregate as an expedient protection (particularly when you're seeking to keep rainwater out) is a common engineering "fix" in both the navy and the merchant marine. It's not meant to be permanent, but a sort of "stitch in time" trick to minimize further damage when you can't get major repairs satisfactorily accomplished.
I had the pleasure of touring this ship as well as the aircraft carrier and submarine on display around Texas. The aircraft carriers deck was covered in airplanes and all years of the chevy corvette. It was quite the awesome experience
My father, who passed away in Sept. of 2017, served on this Battleship in WW2, in both the Atlantic and Pacific theater. And he was on that ship when it took a torpedo at the water line. His ship along with two other Battleships were responsible for shelling the beach at Normandy. And as he said himself was an eyewitness to the raising of the flag at Iwo. He was seventeen years old.
I worked on the Texas as a volunteer in the early 1990's. I can tell you there's a smell of paint and steel in that ship that is unique and just makes you feel like you're in the time of those previous generations. Had the honor of meeting a very old man who served on the Texas during WW2 during my time there and he took us below deck to show us where his old locker was. He opened it up, looked inside, and went, "There it is." Then about three of us crowded around to see what he was talking about and he grinned and went, "Made you look."
that’s fucking funny bro
I'm glad they finally got it to an actual drydock this year, I have a lot of good memories aboard the Texas.
Credit to the Americans for maintaining and restoring historic vessels like this, if she'd have been a British Dreadnaught she would have been scrapped decades ago. The Iowa class were elegant and powerful ships but Texas was a perfect example of a WW1 Dreadnaught much like the British Queen Elizabeth class. You could only wish there were more like her still around.
+Deevo037 She is not in great shape, and neither is the U.S.S. Olympia the last of the armored cruisers in the world. Neither of these ships are in the state that H.M.S. Warrior is, because the U.S. Government doesn't spend the money to restore them.
'
+Deevo037
Its a shame then,that they didn't take the time to save and preserve the German heavy cruiser The Prinz Eugen.
In historic terms, the Prinz Eugen was one of the most successful vessels of WW2, assisting the Sharnhorst and Battleship Bismark throughout the war.
What major conflict of real importance during the war, did the Texas take part in.
The only reason they want to preserve her,is because she is American, and not any historical reason.
+Deevo037 They should have at least saved Warspite. No other British ship earned her keep as much as she did.
+Peter Lewis Like so many other amazing German technical wonders they were destroyed out of utter hatred. I wish there was more ME109's, BF109's, Focke-wolf 190's, JU 88's, ME262's etc etc etc Not even the German tanks were spared. Nothing but lost history, Same could be said for the Japanese planes. Not many of them around either...like who the hell wouldn't want a mitsubishi Zero??
+Peter Lewis I hear ya. Seeing the greatest WWII ships as museum's would have been great. I wished the navy preserved the Nagato, repaired it, and gave it back to Japan to make it a museum. That would have been a reason to go to Japan and see the Japanese capital ship with its distinctive Pagoda mast.
I used to live in Pasadena,Texas. I was able to tour the Texas in 1987 and walk her decks. I was amazed. Totally taken back by her mighty size. I personally like dryberth
proposal number 4. I would like to return some day before I die to see her again. I am in
bad health however and just don't have the money for the trip. She is the most impressive ship that I ever had the honor to see first hand. God bless those who served
on her and hats off to the state of Texas for caring for her! Rick Starr
A bill passed unanimously in the Texas legislature which will provide Battleship Texas $35 million for repairs before it is taken to its new home.
Nice she is on my turret crawl list.
Have they done anything yet? Or is it too far gone now?
I visited the ship when I was about seven, I took my son there when he was about the same age,I hope it is still around for him to take his son there.
@@Qikdraw They are preparing the ship to be brought to a dry dock, and as of now have completed necessary structural repairs and have nearly filled all the torpedo blister tanks with foam (they're foaming the tanks to minimize flooding, and have already made sure it can be removed later). The ship is expected to be moved later this year.
@@ruddigerburns9051 I've actually done a turret crawl on her, in turret #4.
I remember visiting this ship in 1957 when 7 years old, in the first grade, it was so way cool for me at that age.
gymover --- you are about the same age as me. I went to visit the USS Texas many times through the years. I've not lived in the area for 30 years and didn't know it was in such bad shape. I'm glad she has been restored and will be around for many more generations to see.
I toured the Olympia in Philadelphia and was fascinated by the detail and arrangements of that ship. I look forward to seeing the Texas restored and in shape again.
What a wonderful story! It's great that a piece of American Naval history has been restored for generations to come and see and learn about what made their freedom possible.
USS Texas is the last surviving Dreadnought Battleship on Earth. She is the last surviving ship of the US Navy to serve in both World Wars and was the first battleship museum that is still active today. She now floats at the San Jacinto state battleground memorial. A multimillion dollar plan is in the works to take her out of the water which is eating through her hull and place her in a dry berth permanently.
They're gonna put her in a dry dock permanently?
Too_MLG _4_U nah, they're gonna drydock her, repair and repaint her, and make her a museum. I would assume, at least.
CoverFireSix Definitely good for such a large piece of warfare history.
godzilla691138MW3 definitely
i wish USS BB-33 Arkansas were still alive
It was a mighty ship and amazing history. It served America and freedom with pride🎖🥇
Now she has outlived all who built her and all who fought with her. She stands proudly as one who helped defeat one of the worst dictators the world has ever witnessed. Long may she live.
Damn socialists
I remember playing on this ship at San Jacinto in the mid 80's before it was restored. It was like a big historic playground. I was also there for her being brought back out after restoration. Awesome ship.
it's always important to remember where we came from
Yeah,slavery genocide and destroying of other cultures
Fred Quimby that stuff is important too.
Fred Quimby we need to remember the mistakes we made before.
Yeah she's currently rotting away in a harbour, they wanted to dry dock her but she's so rusted through that she would collapse under her own weight. Yes ,2020
You came from a battleship???
Good luck to the people of Texas in the conservation of this amazing ship. greetings from Russia!
This didn't age well. Lol
My Great Uncle was her XO in 1918. Sailed with the Grand Fleet to England where they put on a show for the Brits called "An Evening in Yankeeland on the USS Texas". Photos show it was an exuberant affair of skits with American History themes.
She withstood anything up to this day. I hope she can still for generations to come.
To the USS TEXAS and its crew ....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ❤🇺🇸❤✔👍
AMD may you be in active duty again and protect the west Philippine sea 🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸❤🌟❤
My brother was a security guard on this proud vessel.The restoration of her put many people to work and continues to generate income as a tourist attraction.This what respect for History does!!
Had the honor and pleasure of spending a night aboard the vessel during it's hundredth anniversary. It's an incredible ship. Well worth seeing if you get a chance.
I worked on the repair of that ship, it was an honor to help keep her afloat
I work with a guy that helped save her. He's eyes lit up when talking about the effort it took to get her hull water tight again.
John Koeberlein why do I not believe you😑
Don't tread on me
How rude, doesn't matter what you believe. I know he was there in Texas and he had knowledge of the repairs that were done.
John Koeberlein liiiiiiaaaaaaaar 🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻👌🏻🖖🏻👏🏻💩💩🙈😢😢🤓❤️🖐🏻😁😘😎😀😂😭😂😂
That's real rude and childish if you don't believe him well don't ...dont act stupid on here
2 gamers 1 channel you’re very naive, obnoxious, and immature.
American history right there....This thing is 104 years old!!! posibbly older if you count the years it took to build it.
That time is not counted anymore than your age includes time spent in the womb.
i visited the Texas both before and after the restoration. Before you could look at her and see her leaning to the side, and the concrete deck was cracked and broken in many places and don't even get me started on the rust. After she looked like she looked much "happier" she sat straight, her now wood decks looked almost new, and what little rust i found could easily be fixed with a good coat of paint i am extremely happy with the work done. She deserves nothing less
I had the pleasure of touring this grand old lady when i was in the US in 2010!
Texans people are so beautiful, caring and down right hospital. I am glad I live in Texas.
I was able to get below-decks on a "hard-hat" tour and it was amazing. I am very disappointed that the care-takers were unable to get the ship out of the water long ago. Much of the damage from exposure is now irreparable.
Be happy to know, she’s getting all the repairs she needs now! 8/2022
My Father wasn't a Texas native, but while a resident of Texas he enlisted before Pearl Harbor, his company (my Dad was a captain) landed at the Normandy D-Day.. The people of Texas were extremely supportive of the troops, then and now.
completely worthy....every effort to preserve this Lady should not be spared
I drive by her every day & she gets the salute she deserves from me.MCPO E Div.'81-'07
spent my last "bobblehead" year on the Texas SSN-775 "Don't mess with Texas"
Just added to my list of places to visit on my next trip to the US!
An excellent choice!
TBirdNeil definitely worth visiting, also the monument is right across the street from the battleship. That's worth a visit as well just be sure to go all the way up to the star
TBirdNeil sadly she's sinking and you can't go on her now
TBirdNeil revive all the non digital warships and fighter planes that could withstand emp and arm them with nukes that are non digital
My Grandfather was the C.O. on the Texas during the 20s for 4 years. I hope the fix this treasure again. Its a fine monument the men who served aboard her.
she is not a CLASSIC she is not a MUSEUM she is not an ATTRACTION she is a warship, a dreadnought. the last of her kind. like HMS Victory and HMS Warrior in Britain (where i am from) Texas must be preserved in active condition. anything less is an insult to her and all she was built to protect. long live USS Texas.
+beaney56 I went aboard the Texas in '96; from having been left to rest essentially sunk in brackish water for many years, the lower engineering spaces are destroyed. Several years ago there was a story of rags being stuffed into holes in the side of the hull as a stop-gap measure. Best thing that can happen is the planned permanent dry-docking. Olympia is another one that needs dry-docking post haste.
Ah! You would not recognise her today!
Bushies may be idiiots, but they know how to drydock a warship in perpetuity.
Steel is what it is, and seawater is what it is.
For a ship with so little battle history, they have done her right.
I like to think she could be in service, but we're having difficulty getting enough funding to restore her leaking hull. The city is more interested in building bike trails in Harvey flood zones than restoring anything historic. Frankly, she's moored in the wrong place now. Originally, the idea was to be coupled with the San Jacinto Monument, but that's not as popular, now that NASA / Kemah is established.
beaney56 so correct. Very few of the old battlewagons are left, it is a shame that the others were scrapped or sunk during the atomic bomb tests in the Pacific.
beaney56 you live in fantasy land.
The ship is outdated and a drain on resources.
She deserves her retirement just as HMS victory.
They've done their part they deserve to be loved and admired.
Keeping ships at sea especially these kinds actually damages them.
If HMS Victory were to ever sail she would sink. She's bowed in the middle from dry dock.
its good you lookafter yer old ships history is priceless for future generations .
I also have to say, I've been there several times and its a GREAT tour deep in history (100+ years old).
I believe it is the oldest US Battleship and it was by luck it wasn't sunk all these years survived.
Luck, skill and more than a little daring and devotion to duty.
Oldest steel man o war of the US. The oldest "battleship" is the USS Constitution
Also, the U.S.S. Olympia.
An old friend of mine was the radio man on the Texas during the attack on pearl harbor.
He was relaying messages to his co during the attack.
MB was an exceptional man
How do you neglect a museum ship for so long that she ends up with holes from rusting and floods?? better yet how do you let it flood full of water and not do anything and continue to let her rust...
ECrierie lack of money
How do you do all that? Send it to Texas.
It was already in disrepair, the State of Texas initiated repairs when received.
High Stakes The ship arrived in Texas in the 60's. Texas didn't start repairing it until it sunk into the mud in the 80's.
Sorry, I was listening to the video where it says "The ship was handed over to Texas and left to to TPWD to maintain in 80 - something.
I love the total professionalism of Ed Phillips. What happened to that professionalism today is beyond me.
imagin if they built a truly modern battleship. that would be an incredible ship.
russell5078084 It would be a huge waste, speed and stealth are more important now
russell5078084 it would just be a huge missile platform. long range ship to ship missiles have made large caliber guns much less useful. railgun might change that but I doubt we'll see that big a difference
The armor would make the difference. You gotta remember there's never been an anti-ship missile that could penetrate an Iowa's armor.
Karl Budde with all the weapon systems under development right now, and one's that are available now that we don't know about, I think you underestimate the possibilities.
That's only because today's ships are so lightly armored, a standard high explosive charge is most effective. A simple Russian shoulder fired RPG's shaped charge could penetrate Iowa's armor. Now imagine one scaled up to fit a cruise missile with a 400 mile range and a 1000 lb payload....Yeah, that armor might as well not exist. That is all assuming of course that your enemy is going to purposely shoot you right where your thickest armor is, which they wont.
My Great-grandfather was in the 2nd Ranger Battalion on D-Day at Pointe Du Hoc. He said the Texas was firing right over his head before the landing, and he was VERY appreciative! Long live the ole girl!
This ship is my idol plus I was born and will stay in texas
Same here, I got Texas pride forever #TexasPride
102 now.....
what the hell is rong with thise people??????
I am involved with the restoration of another WWII era warship and we are facing some of the same problems the Texas restoration did. Dry docking is extremely expensive and alteration of waterways is also not trivial and governed by miles of red tape. At this juncture we are relying on donations and have a grant pending to cover the cost of a dry dock to replace the hull plates on the bottom of the ship. Great video Thanks.
"...restore this national historic landmark..."
It's a bit disingenuous to call a boat a LANDmark. lol
+ElJulioso Well sh IS one.
+ElJulioso If if was a "watermark" it would be made out of paper.
ElJulioso Buddy, there's a big difference between a *BOAT* and a *SHIP*
Then WATERmark
The Queen Mary in Long Beach California is considered a landmark and a building because she has no engines or props and no boilers and so was or is the Texas as well also the Queen Mary is also falling apart just like Texas
I would give up everything I have to go back in time and serve aboard the ship of my states namesake, to feel that pride, knowing that I'm fighting for my families freedom.
5:23 the shape of Texas in the rust
Thank you for this fine video. I have been aboard this impressive ship, the last veteran of WW I. It was in the 6th Battlesquadron of the Grand Fleet, the US battleships integrated with our British friends. It fought in the Atlantic and the Pacific in WW II. What a career!! We must preserve it. The fees paid to board it do NOT help maintain it, to our shame in Texas. Texas must do more, and the US can do something more too. I saw a dinghy going to pieces on it. What a shame.
Boy there’s some dumb on this post. “Concrete does not accelerate rust”? Come on man. You’ve never seen the rebar in a concrete column rust and spall the concrete?
Exactly! That’s why people learned cementing ships in place like that Japanese battleship was a terrible idea.
The concrete accelerates due to cracking and water getting through the cracks to the main deck metal. I know this for a first hand fact happened Texas for I was a Texas volunteer (1986 - 2007)
She's a beauty alright. Been aboard her a few times. All back in the 70's though. Haven't been back home to Texas a lot since I joind and subsequently retired from the Army. And as a side-bar, My Grandad wired and placed the original red beacon on top of The San Jacinto monument. Pretty proud of that, especially being a Born and Raised Texan. Hope I get to visit her again someday.
please retain it America it is history don't let it go like the original uss enterprise that was a waste
This grand old lady is the very last of her kind and I for one am glad that she was restored. We have 4 Iowa class battleship museums. This is ship is unique and different. Bravo, State of Texas, for keeping your namesake alive for all to see. I hope to visit her someday. Just a word to the wise for all, The Cruiser Olympia in Philadelphia is also the last of her kind. Far older than USS Texas, she too needs to be saved.
I live 13 miles from Battleship Cove in Fall River Massachussets. We have the BB59 Battleship Massachussets in near pristine restored condition and every 4th of july her guns are fired. We also have the Destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy also in great condition. We also have the Submarine USS Lionfish...along with a Russian Minesweeper. Our museum of ships is one of the best in the world if not the best. All vessels are open to the public in seasonal due to harsh winters back here and the Battleship Massachussets is used for many functions with youth group sleepovers in the sailors bunks along with many ceremonys held on her deck.
+Brian Cabral East German Corvette*,
Brian Cabral I have done my homework, I've went their many times on top of that. Yes, it was built in the USSR (Not technically "Russia")(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantul_class_corvette it was launched in Leningrad/St Petersburg specifically) But it never served with the Soviet navy, it served entirely in the German "navies" (East German Navy / Deutsche Marine). I've already said this but it's not a minesweeper, it's a guided missile corvette. To help prove my point, the Hinddensee (previously known as the Rudolf Egelhoffer) was launched in 1984, and entered service with East Germany in 1984. So East German navy briefly huh? 1990-1991 in the Deutsche Marine, then in April of 92' to the USN.
May she live forever!
I wish more people had an appreciation for our history and those who served.
Why can't they do this for the SS United States as well? The fastest Liner ever build, and what a beautiful ship she is.
+Hannodb1961 I agree
There are talks of restoring and modernizing the SS United States into a cruise ship.
Brian the Brain Fortunately, those plans were scrapped. We want to see the USS United States as it were - just like the Queen Mary. We don't want another hideous floating condo.
Hannodb1961 If its a choice between that or scrapping it then re-purposing is best.
Brian the Brain I disagree. I'd rather see it scrapped than defaced. Imagine if they decided to "preserve" the battleship Taxes by removing its primative guns by replacing them with state of the art heat seeking missle launchers, and made all kinds of other modifications. They might as well just have scraped the ship and build something else from scratch.
Good idea to save that ship. Great history. Still a viable ship if it was refit properly.
StudSupreme not really. It's just to slow and inaccurate. At 21kn it's just not efficient to have in a modern day war.
To get Texas to modern standards, she'd need to have the engines replaced, missile systems fitted, new guns, completely refitted hull and armor plating, and a new sensor suite.
I love the Texas, but I don't want her to go back in war. She's pretty as she sits.
Stealth Works It would take an enormous amount of punishment to sink it. Also, it's large enough to carry plenty of missiles. A robust platform.
One harpoon AShM would sink that like every other ship.
Still though, what I would give to hear the boom of her big guns once...
If any battleships were ever recommissioned again it would be the Iowa classes... but it would be massively expensive!
Forgetting wars is the best way to get into further ones in the future.
I love that crusty dude giving us the lowdown.
Actually the name 'dreadnought' was adopted as a class of ship that revolutionised the 'Battleship'. The very first full steel construction steam turbine powered "Battleship" with a full, uniform, main battery (all main guns could target the same location together) was built by the British and was called HMS Dreadnought - so called because the ship feared nothing as it was so much more powerful & faster than any other ship at the time (1906).
Although this is a very dated video (video 240p?) it's really a shame that no Texas multimillionaire (Mattress Mac, for example, or numerous oil tycoons or Texas sports stars) have to stepped up to the plate to jump start the renovation and preservation of the TEXAS.
Exactly... I was under the impression Texas is littered with millionaires and more than a fair share of billionaires. There has to be a least of few dozen hyper patriotic souls among them that could pony up 10-20 million each.
Ya,shame,l guess their all talk.
They missed the greatest opportunity ever to let her sail under her own power, that would really make history.
How funny, it still sits in water slowly rusting away from neglect to this very day.
Nothing ever gets done here unless it’s for war. :/
I went to so many field trips to the battleship Texas that I could run through her blindfolded. I am glad I lived close to the battleship in my childhood and developmental years.
Let the old girl teach us all a lesson. War is never pretty, but we must be ever vigilant. Fighting ourselves is not the answer, but debate. But if we should be attacked, cast aside your prejudices, Rally to your fellow man, be he or she whatever they are, and stand United, as once the great crew of the Texas once did in the defense of our nation. She, and so many of her fallen brethren of those terrible times. And never forget, the sacrifices made by the men of that time. Let us no longer waste the opportunity and future they gave us
I have a friend of mine who was a merchant marine engineering officer who'd gotten drafted into the U.S. Navy during the '50s (direct commission). Pulling a fix like that - using concrete to patch a deck - in order to get a destroyer through storm damage in the Pacific drove an Annapolis-graduate commanding officer just about out of his mind.
Kept the ship on-station and completed the mission, though. Definitive repairs at Pearl afterwards were a piece of cake.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long
i was on her in the 70s.... nice to see the old girl in great condition ... tribute to all who saved this magnificent piece of history
It's sad the ship from my state (USS Nevada) was the only battleship at Pearl Harbor to make way during the attack and the ship was used as target practice for nukes and sunk.
To the USS Nevada's credit, it took a nuke and didn't sink..
But still all of the crew would be dead, there is just no use for battleships anymore.
He was referring to fact that the USS Nevada is not a Museum ship..
In the next 20 years, rocket accelerated artillery will advance technologically enough that the cost to reactivate and modernize the Iowa class battleships would actually be worth it. As of now it would only cost anywhere from 1 to 3 billion dollars to modernize and reactivate a Iowa class batlleship. A Zumwalt class ship costs way more than that to build. With rocket accelerated projectiles a 16" deck gun could get ranges as far as cruise missiles and be able to lob them at a fraction of the cost, and deliver more HE to the target, with a faster rate of fire, and a larger magazine.
Br!an Delta V it would likely be a better use of money at that point to build new battleships rather than refiting ships that are now 70+ years old. a ship with a modern hull, modern armour design, modern electorinics, machinery and the artillery system you describe maybe even railguns would be much more worthwile than refitting the Iowas again
Very true, They are symbols of American industry and design as well as might. And never forget those who served on these steel beasts.
Eerily enough, there is a Texas shaped hole in the hull (reversed) at 5;20
My dad took to see the Texas when I was about 7 years old. That was around 1965-66. I thought it was the biggest ship in the world. Everything was huge including the prop that was sitting on her deck. I love that old ship.
Texas could duke it out with ANY ship of its time and sink it. It is very heavy for its size.
it could do the same with any modern ship as well. given that said modern ship isnt carrying cruise missiles. look at the Iowa though. the Iowa battle ship used cruise missiles as well
Ray Hansen I’ll pit Texas against the SMS Bayern and the Japanese Fusō and Kongō.
Bayern has 380mm guns in 4 twins and has 170-350 mm armor.
Fusō has 356mm guns in 6 twins and 229-305 mm armor.
Kongō has 360mm guns in 4 twins and has 76-203 mm armor.
Texas has 356mm guns in 5 twins and has 254-305 mm armor.
Bayern has an artillery advantage and a slight armor advantage over Fusō and Texas. So technically, yes, but only specific ships. Bayern has a pretty good chance of beating Texas.
Kongō would have to use her 380mm guns to attack Texas first, and maybe she’ll win. Texas’ 356mm shells should cut straight through Kongō’s 203mm armor. Fusō doesn’t stand a single chance. Her 356mm guns in 6 twins could put up a fight, but Texas will win. So yeah, it probably could
God bless and protect all those working to keep this ship preserved!
Don Price- Wing Leader
Commemorative Air Force- Gulf Coast Wing
"This is the last one, there won't be anymore". I wonder if this one is still intact 100 - 200 years after? What will people imagine then when they see this? What feeling will people get when they see the HMS Victory ?( If it still exists). I guess nothing like these ships will ever exist. This is the last iron floating castle from the biggest naval arms race of all history, and will remind us of the beautiful, proud and innocent machines we made as compared to today's and our future horrors.
The Iowa Class Battleships are still afloat bigger guns 9x 16in main battery and Tomahawk Cruse Missiles for Armament they are the true LAST OF THEIR KIND Iowa & Missouri the ship the Japanese surrendered on the bow are for sure still around look up Sleeping Giant USS MISSOURI
I'm sorry to say, and I don't mean to offend, the Iowa class is a great ship, but it was built on an era when the battleships didn't really fit their role anymore. The Texas was built on a time when battleships were ships of the line, ready for fleet engagements without aircraft being involved. The Iowa shoot its cannons a lot of times, but never really for what they were meant to.
+Antonio Vargas Who cares?
Brad Davies Not an ignorant kind like yourself of course :D
Antonio Vargas On what do you base your insult? Is it because I do not feel the same way you? I love my country, and insulting me is insulting America. I am not going to listen to some yokel bad mouth The United Sates of America. Good riddance traitor.
My ship, U.S.S. O'Brien DD-725, was instrumental in saving Texas from German artillery fire off the Cherbourg Peninsula in 1944. She put down a smoke screen to block the Germans' view of the Texas. Texas and other historic ships like her must be preserved. They are a significant part of our history.
FACT : The Battleship Texas is a Battleship named after the State of Texas.
no way
Δημητρης Κλαδος
Yes way. You can research it yourself if you'd like.
No shit, Sherlock.
RampantFury925
Sherlock was a detective.
oh a fury pet it pet it
absolutely amazing.....on my list of things to do before i die visit this is one of them as well as visit USS Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri and New Jersey
SAVE THE TEXAS FOR SHE HAS FOUGHT MANY WARS, AND SEEN MANY BATTLES! LET HER PRESENCE REMIND US BOTH WARS AND ALL SACRAFICES MADE! GOD BLESS THE USA AND HER SOLDIERS OF TODAY AND THE PAST!
I remember as a school child we made a field trip from Beaumont, 90 miles away for a tour of the Texas. This was in about 1947-1949. she was very impressive to young children.
why does the USS Missouri get all of the attention while all of the other decommissioned ships are either rotting away are used for target practice?
Because you can't save them all. So you save a few that are remarkable for some reason. Missouri served with great distinction during WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and the 91 gulf war. That's right she served again for 91. The peace treaty from Japan was also signed on her deck. That's why.
Because you can't save them all. So you save a few that are remarkable for some reason. Missouri served with great distinction during WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and the 91 gulf war. That's right she served again for 91. The peace treaty from Japan was also signed on her deck. That's why.
Naked Acres true. this iowa class battleship should have been the USS iowa.
+electronics for fun They had an Iowa as far as I know. Not the service record of Old Iron Sides though.
sealover what are you talking about? we never said that all of the iowa class battleships were gone.
She is a beautiful. She survived both world wars!!
I think it would be great to remember WW1, by preparing this ship to make a new trip around the globe and visit countries like Britain, France, Belgium and Italy!
well its to old and it might not realy be able to do that
and what if something bad happened to the ship going around the globe it would be to sad to see it sink like that
dan danny Well probably it is indeed not ready right know for such a trip, but if this beaty would have all the cilinders firing, not even a hurricane would be able to beat it!
Most amazing thing I have ever set foot on. She is truly a work of art and a war machine. Shes just plain beautiful.
Now Rick Perry is the most dangerous thing from Texas.
The ship isn't really from Texas. The only thing we had to do with it was the name.
Lmfaoooo
lutherheggs So I guess if the Texas had taken the place of the Arizona you would feel the same way. As I recall the Arizona wasn't built in Arizona either. According to your way of thinking lets just scrap the USS Olympic. You know, the Great White Fleet!?
Which of my posts are you responding to? As for scrap iron, I meant the ships at Pearl were ww1 vintage. With their 11 mile range 14 inch guns they would be hopelessly outclassed against the yamato's 23 mile range 18 inch guns. They were still useful for carier protection as as shore shelling batteries at times. But basically just scrap iron in 1941
rodeo o I can't recall, oops.
Brilliant, thanks for posting.
Every country needs to preserve their navy history. Sadly the majority don't, no matter how great the service of that vessel. eg: USS Enterprise.
Well done, Texas person's!
As the only surviving WWI battleship Texas is a unique example of naval design. During WWII America's older battleships saw much use as floating anti aircraft batteries while on escort duty, and, as this video shows, for shore bombardment during landing operations. In fact on December 7 1941 there were only two modern US battleships in commission - Washington and North Carolina - and they were both in the Atlantic fleet.
She served at one time as a Flagstahip for the Admiral. Was very lucky to see her in person.
I love this ship. I myself would volunteer if it wasn't so far. Ive been on one of the hard hat tours mentioned below and they are unbelievable. It's almost sad that there are so few of these battleships left, and that they are just sitting in shallow berths rusting away :( In my mind they still can serve a purpose as an offshore artillery platform.
i love this ship i live only 30mins from this epic vessel only thing i do not understand is why dosent texas sale models of BB35 work at a art craft store we have models of arizona an other battleships yet no texas....
There are
Nathan Peterson They do? Were can I purchase one? The ones I've managed to find online are always resin kits. I do not have any experience with building that type of kit. Are there kits out there of the Texas that are plastic?
It's because they have Arizona and Texas and Arizona are both Pennsylvania Class battleships so it doesn't matter
Arizona models I mean
Daniel Day The Texas is New York class. Five 2 gun turrets v. four 3 gun turrets on the Arizona.
This vessel is one-of-a-kind.
I am not sure, but with the exception of an earlier battleship (Mikasa?) in Japan, USS Texas is the only early-twentieth century battleship in existence.
Hope the people of Texas continue to support keeping it.
We have the USS Olympia near Philly, but thats from the 1890's i think?...talk about early Battleships!
You are right! I had forgotten the Olympia. I think it was Admiral Dewey's flagship during the battles in The Phillipines in the Spanish-American War although I'm not sure about that.
The Texas is the only wwi battleship still afloat. Commissioned in 1914, she served for wwi, both naval theaters in wwii, and stayed in active use until the end of 1948. She is the last of the dreadnought class battleship and is considered a state landmark. I've been to the Texas many times and have seen the damage. Texas parks and wildlife is planning in making a permanent dry dock for the ship to rest in, but I believe that her lower hull should be fully replaced and dock her in a dock that is separated from the salty sea water (a dock that is isolated but still allows her to float). Then build some docks that go along the water level so people can get different views. Besides I think it would be nice to fully restore her and be able to access all parts of the ship.
Colton Christman technically Mikasa is as well, though she was a pre-dreadnought
And we saved the USS Iowa, too. woohoo
the Iowa is seeing modernization right now
Isn't that great? California is fortunate to have her. I grew up in Iowa, so I have had a special interest in her preservation as a monument to those who served. I wrote a pile of letters when there was talk of scrapping her and got two responses from Clive Cussler and Sen. Chuck Grassley. Bless them both for their roles in her salvation.
All four of the Iowa class battleships would cost 1 to 3 billion dollars to return to active duty. I believe within 20 years rocket accelerated artillery technology will advance enough to warrant their return to service. They are also steam powered and ripe for a 5th generation nuclear power plant.
Yeehaaaw!
All battleships have been removed from reserve fleet, they are no longer maintained to be ready to be pulled back to active duty....
By 2012 the ship needed more hull repairs. I worked at a steel mill in Baytown, about 15 miles away. I asked if they could use some steel for the repairs. "Oh yes, we get pieces domated by the local fabrication shops. Do you have some"? I said No, how many truckloads do you need?. After clearance from our parent company we donated 80,000 pounds of plates.
Maybe they could restore the SS United States instead of this ship !
Terry Thomas hell no! USS Texas all the way
Terry Thomas hell no! USS Texas all the way
Terry Thomas hell no! USS Texas all the way
A dam cruise ship is not as important as the texas .
They should restore her, shes a beautiful ship and is indeed the last of her kind. Great video and the music is cool too.
The New York-class were the best looking post-dreadnoughts. It's incredibly sad that out of all the Dreadnoughts and post-dreadnoughts, only Texas survives. But they couldn't have chosen a more beautiful ship to preserve.
God bless the Texas!
Actually, casting concrete aggregate as an expedient protection (particularly when you're seeking to keep rainwater out) is a common engineering "fix" in both the navy and the merchant marine.
It's not meant to be permanent, but a sort of "stitch in time" trick to minimize further damage when you can't get major repairs satisfactorily accomplished.
I volunteer on this ship during the Hard Hat Tours, and I absolutely love this ship.
Good to see such an old warrior being looked after so well.
That's the best deterrent:Show someone that they don't want to ever fuck with you,& have the capability to back it up.
My dad fought along side the USS Texas BB 35 on the USS Arkansas BB 33. They sailed together in both WWII theaters.
I had the pleasure of touring this ship as well as the aircraft carrier and submarine on display around Texas.
The aircraft carriers deck was covered in airplanes and all years of the chevy corvette. It was quite the awesome experience
My father, who passed away in Sept. of 2017, served on this Battleship in WW2, in both the Atlantic and Pacific theater. And he was on that ship when it took a torpedo at the water line. His ship along with two other Battleships were responsible for shelling the beach at Normandy. And as he said himself was an eyewitness to the raising of the flag at Iwo. He was seventeen years old.
And if I am correct in saying so The Texas was the first commissioned US Battleship. I am very proud of my father and his service in WW2