5/4/24 – Battleship Texas Update
Posted by Battleship Texas Foundation on May 4, 2024
The ship is still moored along Pier D in Gulf Copper Shipyard where their people are hard at work. It cannot be understated how much we appreciate their efforts in this undertaking as we know the work before them has not been easy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s Next?
Battleship Texas will remain at Gulf Copper Shipyard for until her new home is ready for her. Additional steel work, removal and replacement of the ship’s deck, and superstructure/aft fire control restoration will continue. And painting the topsides!
Touring?
The Battleship Texas Foundation is working on new touring opportunities before the ship reopens.
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 sometime in 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. Three of the ship’s six 5″ guns have already been reinstalled.
SHIP REPAIRS
Deck Repairs
The decking on the ship’s bow all the way to the front of the air castle has been removed. GC has started removing the wood deck on the starboard side super structure deck. Steelworkers will soon follow them to blast the steel and make repairs where needed. Pressure treated long leaf pine will be put back on the deck. Yes, some of this wood is being saved to produce items to raise funds. Some deck wood items are already available in the ship’s store.
Drainage Repairs
The ship’s drainage system is being restored. This will protect the ship from rain water intrusion and greatly extend the life of the other top-side repairs that are in progress.
Turret Watershed Repairs
The turret watersheds are being removed for repairs. The watersheds keep water out of the gaps between the turret and barbette. They will be reinstalled once those repairs are complete.
Aft Fire Control Restoration
The ship’s aft fire control tower is looking great! The mullions for the windows are fitted, floater net baskets added, and more. These repairs and additions will help return the ship to its 1945 appearance.
Radar Top Mast
The radar top mast has been removed from the ship’s main mast and has largely completed the required repairs. There are a few things which need to be done before it gets its final coat of paint and is reattached to the ship.
Main Mast
The deck on the ship’s main mast is being repaired and replaced in certain areas. Gun mounts are also being added back.