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    10/10/24 – Battleship Texas Update

    Posted by Battleship Texas Foundation on October 10, 2024

    Featured image for Post named `10/10/24 – Battleship Texas Update`

    The ship is currently moored at Pier A in Gulf Copper Shipyard where it will continue to undergo repairs and preparations to become a museum ship once again.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What’s Next?

    Battleship Texas will remain at Gulf Copper Shipyard while the ship’s new home in Galveston, Texas, is prepared. Additional steel work, replacement of the ship’s deck, further restoration, and painting will be done during this time.

    Touring?

    The Battleship Texas Foundation will be offering touring options while the ship is in the shipyard. Participants will be able to view ongoing work and restoration or learn all about how the ship operated during its service career. Tours are expected to begin in late 2024.

    Reopening?

    There is a lot to be done before the ship is ready for touring at its new home in Galveston, Texas. Reopening is projected to happen in late 2025 or 2026.

    Missing Guns?

    The ship’s anti-aircraft guns are currently undergoing restoration. The guns and gun directors will be replaced once their restoration is complete. All six of the ship’s 5″ guns and one quad 40mm Bofors have already been reinstalled.

    SHIP REPAIRS

    PINE DECK REPAIRS

    Workers are currently laying the pine deck on the ship’s bow. Below is a breakdown of how this is done. Yes, Battleship Texas had a deck made up of mostly pine during the ship’s service career.

    The underlying steel deck has been repaired and made watertight with all existing studs removed and ground flush. Once welding has concluded in each area, the steel is properly coated.

    4″x4″ treated southern yellow pine deck planks are shaped, fitted, and coated to protect against moisture. A Dolphinite Bedding Compound is applied to both the steel deck and bottom of the board prior to final installation. Boards are secured by studs which are welded to the steel deck during installation.

    Plank and margin board seams are caulked using on strand of cotton caulking, three strands of oakum, and sealed with a marine sealant.

    MEASURE 21

    The ship is being painted in the Measure 21 camouflage scheme. All horizontal surfaces will be Deck Blue 20-B, and all vertical surfaces will be Navy Blue 5-N. Battleship Texas is only one of two battleships in a WWII camouflage scheme, and the ONLY ship in Measure 21.

    Donate

    We could not restore Battleship Texas without supporters like yourself. Donate today to help preserve this historic ship for generations to come.

    Donate Now