Normandy Tour
Battleship Texas Normandy Tour
Step aboard the last remaining battleship to participate in the invasion of Normandy! From bombarding the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc to the duel with a coastal battery near Cherbourg, you will leave with an appreciation for the ship that did so much to ensure France was successfully liberated.
Each 1.5-hour guided tour focuses on the ship’s and crew’s actions as Allied forces began the invasion of France in June 1944. Participants will visit the ship’s half-deck, pilot house, and more!
Tour Highlights
Taking The Pointe
Learn about the ship’s primary target on the morning of June 6th and how it supported the US 2nd Rangers as they scaled the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder.
June 15, 1944
What does it take to increase the range of the ship’s main battery? Find out how Captain Charles Baker used an age-old trick to provide fire support to a target outside of the ship’s 14”/45 caliber gun range.
Battle of Cherbourg
In Late June 1944, Battleship Texas set course to eliminate a fortified coastal battery that could stop the Allied advance on Cherbourg, France. Learn about the ship’s duel with the battery, the ship’s only combat fatality, and view the shell that struck the ship.
Accessibility
HEAT WARNING: This tour will be conducted in warmer months in areas that may not be climate-controlled. Please ensure that you are well-hydrated before participating in a tour.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This tour may be physically demanding, as participants will need to climb up and down several steep ladders, step into enclosed areas, and perform other physical tasks.
TOTAL WALKING: 1/2 mile over 1 and 1/2 hours.
TOTAL CLIMBING: Equivalent of 7 flights of stairs, up and down.
Tour Information
Participants MUST wear full-length pants and shirts that cover the entire leg and torso. All footwear must be closed-toed shoes with good traction. We will provide Proper hard hats and eye protection before each tour. Anyone who does not meet these requirements will NOT be allowed to participate.
Participants MUST be at least 16 years of age. An adult or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Absolutely NO ONE under the age requirement will be allowed into the shipyard.
Pictures are allowed, video is not.
Commercial photography/videography requires written approval.
Tours are conducted in an active shipyard, making accommodations difficult. There are no ramps available for mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Participants must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, stand for several hours, climb up and down steep ladders, and step into confined spaces. We are happy to help those in need, but there are limitations due to the ship’s current environment.
Tours are conducted rain or shine. If a tour must be canceled due to foul weather, all participants will be rescheduled to a later date or refunded if necessary.
Tickets cannot be refunded.
Participants must fill out liability waivers and photo releases before taking the tour.
The parking lot is located on the north side of Todd Road. Please look for signs directing you where to park.
Tickets $100
Gulf Copper Shipyard
2920 Todd Rd
Galveston, TX 77550