12/30/23 – Battleship Texas Update
Posted by Battleship Texas Foundation on December 30, 2023
DRY DOCK TOURS
Dry Dock Tours are SOLD OUT, thank you all for your support!
SHIP REPAIRS
Painting
The ship has been coated in a black primer from stern to bow (PPG SIGMA SHIELD 880 GF). Some areas have been top coated as more layers are applied. Navy Blue 5-N has been applied to the hull above the waterline. Touch up has begun on hard to reach areas.
Splash!
The ship will be put back into the water in late February 2024 (if weather permits).
Keel Blocks
YES, the keel blocks can be moved to coat the docking keels on top of them. The ENTIRE hull will be coated.
Hull Number (COMPLETE)
The new hull numbers have been extensively researched so each number is not only the correct font, but applied in the appropriate position it was in 1945. The numbers have been applied to both bow and stern.
Ship’s Name Applied (COMPLETE)
The lettering for the ship’s name has been cut from steel plate and has been attached to both sides of the stern. A ton of work and research went into getting the correct font and positioning.
Tank Cleaning (COMPLETE)
Tanks inside the ship are being inspected, cleaned, and repaired if need be. Some will be coated with a marine coating to help prevent corrosion.
Leak Testing (COMPLETE)
All welds have been tested for leaks. Leak testing is done by vacuum box, dye penetrant, or magnaflux depending on the area.
Torpedo Blisters (COMPLETE)
The new torpedo blisters are a slightly different design and square off at the bottom below the waterline. This design change will make the new blisters easier to maintain increasing their longevity.
Super Structure Repairs
Structural, decking, drainage, and other repairs have begun on the ship’s foremast and aft control tower as part of the Save America’s Treasures grant project.
Deck Repairs
Gulf Copper’s yard workers are now working on decking on the Flag Bridge and Forward Air Defense Platform (that’s four levels up from the Signal Bridge, where this project started). A part of the deck repairs includes sand blasting and priming the underside. Scaffolding is in place around the foremast for this work.
Aft Fire Control Tower
Work continues in the AFCT as the old grating that was installed in 1988 has been completely removed and replaced with a steel deck. Small repairs to the bulkheads are currently ongoing. Gulf Copper has cut open the AFCT to reinstall historically accurate windows, as the plan is to have it look as it did in 1945.
Splinter Shields
Gulf Copper has been correcting many of the Splinter Shields or “Gun Tubs” on the ship. These shields are reproductions installed in the 1988-90 dry docking which are incorrect. Some are being cut to the correct size and shape, others are being entirely replaced.