Summary: The USS Texas, a historic battleship that first launched in 1912 and has served in both World Wars, has recently made headlines as it returned to the water after an 18-month drydocking period for extensive repairs. This return marks a significant step in its ongoing $75 million restoration project. At Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair’s shipyard, the Texas underwent $21 million in repairs, including the replacement of over 700 tons of steel, hull painting, and various quality control checks. For over 70 years, the Texas has been stationed at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, serving as a museum piece and offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past, including its role in the Veracruz operation and contributions to both World Wars.

USS Texas Sets Sail Again: Historic Battleship Returns to Water After Restoration

The USS Texas first launched in 1912, but the ship is still grabbing news headlines in 2024. On Tuesday, the 112-year old ship slipped back into the water for the first time since 2022.

“The historic Battleship Texas began the process of undocking on Tuesday morning and will be back in the water for the first time in 18 months,” an ABC affiliate reported. 

The Texas is currently undergoing a $75 million restoration. Over the next 18 to 24 months, the Texas will have her deck superstructure and interiors replaced. 

“Battleship Texas had been drydocked at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair’s shipyard for $21 million worth of extensive repairs since August 2022,” the ABC affiliate reported. “During that  time, crews replaced over 700 tons of steel, painted the hull, and performed quality control checks.”

Before undergoing repairs, the Texas had been serving as a museum piece, resting at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site for over 70 years.

The Storied History of the Battleship USS Texas

The Texas is the only surviving battleship to have served in both World War One and World War Two. The Texas first saw action in 1914, when Mexican federal troops detained an American gunboat at Tampico. As part of retaliatory measures, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the Texas, among other vessels, to provide covering fire for Rear Adm. Frank Friday Fletcher’s effort to take forces ashore at Veracruz, Mexico, and capture the city’s customs house. 

The Veracruz operation served as a trial by fire for the Texas. New warships are usually tested out gradually, with a “shakedown cruise” that tests their seaworthiness, performance, and readiness. Not so for this vessel. The Texas was ordered directly into action without the benefit of a warm-up period. The Texas did position herself outside Veracruz, but never fired her weapons, making for a somewhat anticlimactic debut.

Three years after Veracruz, the Texas was called upon to enter a larger altercation: the First World War. The Texas joined Britain’s Grand Fleet and made modest contributions to the war effort, mostly escorting convoys and establishing blockades.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the Texas was a continent away, off the coast of Maine. After President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war, the Texas was mobilized for North Africa, where she assisted in Operation Torch. More famously, the Texas would participate in Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy.

On D-Day, the Texas was placed 12,000 yards offshore in the Omaha Western fire support lane. Opening fire in support of troops landing ashore, the Texas fired 255 14-inch shells during the initial D-Day bombardment. 

After the war, the Texas was decommissioned.

Still Serving Today

The Texas was originally slated for the scrapyard, but two Texas congressmen intervened – Albert Thomas and Lyndon B. Johnson. At the insistence of Thomas and LBJ, the Texas was converted into “the country’s first permanent floating museum,” according to Texas Monthly, where “visitors could tour the turrets, walk the deck, and eye the brig.”

The Texas sat as a museum piece for over 70 years before being drydocked for repairs. But now, the Texas is back in the water, where she will remain as a testament to pre-World War One naval technology.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

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