7/30/23 – Battleship Texas Update
Posted by Battleship Texas Foundation on July 30, 2023
DRY DOCK TOURS
Dry Dock Tours return in September! Tours are Sundays only, until December 17th. Click below for more information!
SHIP REPAIRS
Torpedo Blisters
The torpedo blister modules are produced in the fabrication shop and are transported to the dock where they will be attached to the ship’s hull. There are currently three more torpedo blister modules under construction in the shop!
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.
Coating
Yes, the inside of the blisters, and the ship’s hull will be coated to protect against possible corrosion.
Hull
As work continues moving aft, any holes in the ship’s original hull are being repaired. New plates are added to thinner areas and smaller holes are welded up. The ship’s hull is being primed temporarily as the repairs are made.
Stern
New plating continues being paced onto the ship’s stern. As the new plates go on, they are welded to the repaired framing done while the ship was still at San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in 2013-2014.
Leak Testing
Yes, all welds are being tested for leaks. This is done via vacuum box, dye penetrant or magnetic flux depending on the area.
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.
Workers have begun repairing the deck on the ship’s signal bridge and inside the aft fire control tower. They will work their way up on the ship’s foremast repairing everything from holes to corroded areas as needed.
Structural repairs are underway on the ship’s foremast, starting with supports between the Navigation Bridge and Signal Bridge.
