Battleship Texas Foundation

[HogHammer]

Battleship Texas led a distinguished 34-year career in the United States Navy. In that time, she fought in both World Wars, earned a number of “firsts,” and was home to tens of thousands of sailors and marines from all walks of life. Texas served with the Grand Fleet during the First World War and earned five battle stars during the Second World War. She fought in North Africa, Normandy, Southern France, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, and through it all, only lost one crew member to enemy fire. In 1948, Battleship Texas was donated to the State of Texas to serve as a museum and memorial. In the words of her last captain, Charles Baker, “Her wars are over. She has won the right to rest peacefully in Texas waters.” (From https://battleshiptexas.org/education/history/)

Battleship Texas was on the front line of innovations in gunnery, aviation, and radar throughout her career. A veteran of both World Wars, today she is the world's last surviving Dreadnought. Over her career, she was home to tens of thousands of sailors and marines from all around the nation, whose history she carries with her.

The Battleship Texas is currently under a major restoration project.

Important links for more information or to follow the restoration progress:

Battleship Texas Foundation

YouTube Battleship Texas

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube video courtesy of Third Cost Drone

First Drone Footage of Battleship Texas Now at Pier D in Galveston after Leaving Dry Dock

[HogHammer]

Well, this is going to be interesting...

Port of Galveston kills Battleship Texas deal

Battleship Texas deal with Galveston port now dead in the water
Ship's caretakers will now explore 'alternate locations'

The plan for the refurbished Battleship Texas to berth as a museum ship at the Port of Galveston, probably in the Pier 21 area, has run aground. The Galveston County Daily News reported Tuesday afternoon that the Wharves Board of Trustees has voted to kill its proposed deal with the Battleship Texas Foundation, the ship's nonprofit caretakers.

Effectively, the board's decision leaves the historic dreadnought—one of only a handful to have served in both world wars, and reportedly the world's largest battleship still afloat—stranded at the Gulf Copper shipyard on Pelican Island, where it has been undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation since August 2022. The ship was towed from one pier to another at the facility in August.

Much more at the link provided.

[I_cant_Swim_]

Oh! That can't be good. Was the reason that they (the port board trustees) thought they could chase bigger bucks elsewhere?

 

edit: So, after reading the article, it appears there were a range of factors involved. Partly, the Board (Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees) and the Battleship Texas foundation could apparently not agree on the pier (19 vs 21) at which the ship should be moored, and they also failed to agree on some leasing terms.The Board finally pulled out of negotiations after a consultation partner they wanted included in the terms was not approached by the Texas BB foundation.

 

Well, let's hope they find a suitable home elsewhere, soon.

 

 

[Wolfswetpaws]

29 minutes ago, HogHammer said:

Well, this is going to be interesting...

Port of Galveston kills Battleship Texas deal

Battleship Texas deal with Galveston port now dead in the water
Ship's caretakers will now explore 'alternate locations'

The plan for the refurbished Battleship Texas to berth as a museum ship at the Port of Galveston, probably in the Pier 21 area, has run aground. The Galveston County Daily News reported Tuesday afternoon that the Wharves Board of Trustees has voted to kill its proposed deal with the Battleship Texas Foundation, the ship's nonprofit caretakers.

Effectively, the board's decision leaves the historic dreadnought—one of only a handful to have served in both world wars, and reportedly the world's largest battleship still afloat—stranded at the Gulf Copper shipyard on Pelican Island, where it has been undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation since August 2022. The ship was towed from one pier to another at the facility in August.

Much more at the link provided.

Sad news.
Hopefully an alternative can be found, and quickly.

[HogHammer]

From what I was told by a local resident and clan member, Katie's Seafood Restaurant was the big point of contention. They did not want the ship to block their " view."  As he said, the extra volume of visitors to the area would only help the restaurant, not harm it. I would think most businesses would like a potential draw like the BB Texas in their general area. It will be very interesting to see exactly where Texas will potentially find a new home.

[HamptonRoads]

13 minutes ago, HogHammer said:

From what I was told by a local resident and clan member, Katie's Seafood Restaurant was the big point of contention. They did not want the ship to block their " view."  As he said, the extra volume of visitors to the area would only help the restaurant, not harm it. I would think most businesses would like a potential draw like the BB Texas in their general area. It will be very interesting to see exactly where Texas will potentially find a new home.

That seems to confirm what this article claims:

USS Texas: The U.S. Navy's Homeless Battleship Has a Problem | The National Interest

One other point that was brought up is that the Texas may block some rescue efforts if there was some sort of incident where sea access would be required.

[HogHammer]

Here's the view from the restaurant in question.  Just a guess, I would think people go there for the food, not the view.

from Google maps.  (click to enlarge)

The big offshore oil rig (left of picture) is permanently on display as an energy information center. It is the old Exxon Ocean Star.

There really has to be more to this story.

Below is a picture from the restaurant's website under the gallery.  So here's a better dining view.

[Wolfswetpaws]

I'm thinking the Texas wont fit into the waterway adjacent to the oudoor tables & chairs.
So...which view would be in question?

Edited October 28, 2024 by Wolfswetpaws

[HogHammer]

8 hours ago, Wolfswetpaws said:

I'm think the Texas wont fit into the waterway adjacent to the oudoor tables & chairs.
So...which view would be in question?

Texas would be located outside of the docks, as is the Ocean Star and all the cruise ships that enter the waterway. The inner dock has only enough room for shrimp and fishing boats.

[Wolfswetpaws]

2 hours ago, HogHammer said:

Texas would be located outside of the docks, as is the Ocean Star and all the cruise ships that enter the waterway. The inner dock has only enough room for shrimp and fishing boats.

I think I understand where, roughly.

https://www.cruisemapper.com/?poi=88