What is Battleship Texas? | The US sun

THE HISTORICAL battleship Texas heads to Galveston to undergo expensive repairs.

The battleship’s voyage to Galveston, formerly known as USS Texas, is the first time it has sailed in 32 years.

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What is Battleship Texas?

Battleship Texas is known as the last remaining battleship to have served in both world wars.

Built in Virginia in 1914, it sailed to Vera Cruz and later saw regular service with the Atlantic Fleet, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

During World War I, it helped transport cargo to Europe to protect it from the Germans.

By 1937 it was used to train naval officers, but was back on the front lines during World War II, helping to maintain a neutrality patrol.

Its service then ended in 1948 when it was decommissioned and given to Texas.

Texas later turned it into a museum and established the Battleship Texas Foundation to preserve its history.

Why is Battleship Texas being relocated?

On August 31, 2022, it was announced that the ship would put to sea for repairs.

The vessel has a rusting hull, forcing workers to pump out an estimated 2,000 gallons of water per minute, according to the Associated Press.

Maintaining its historic condition will require $35 million worth of repairs that will reportedly last a year and a half.

“We’re at the point where if we haven’t stepped in and done something, the ship’s days are really over,” Battleship Texas chief operating officer Bruce Bramlett told Fox Houston.

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At first many thought it would be too dangerous to move the ship and cause it to sink, but the operation has been a success so far.

“We got off to a perfect start,” Tony Gregory, president and CEO of the Battleship Texas Foundation, told the Houston Chronicle.

“It couldn’t have gone better. We pulled them out with a jerk [boat] and five other tugs showed up and she’s gone down the canal.”

After repairs are complete, the Battleship Texas Foundation plans to relocate it to a new location in Texas to attract more visitors and increase revenue, the Associated Press notes.

It has been on display at the Texas Revolution Historic Site since 1948.