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    7/16/23 – Battleship Texas Update

    Posted by Battleship Texas Foundation on July 16, 2023

    Featured image for Post named `7/16/23 – Battleship Texas Update`

    DRY DOCK TOURS

    Dry Dock Tours are BACK! We have tours throughout July, then we’ll be back at it again September through December. For more information, click here.

    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 test for leaks. This is done via vacuum box, dye penetrant or magnetic flux depending on the area.

    DECK REPAIRS

    Workers had begun repairing the deck on the ship’s signal bridge. They will work their way up on the ship’s foremast repairing everything from holes to corroded areas as needed.

    GUN SHIELDS

    We have begun cutting down the gun shields surrounding the midship 20mm guns to make them more accurate. These were installed in 1988-1989 and are taller than they were in 1945.

    Thank you all for the support and,

    Come on Texas!