USS Texas BB-35 museum battleship from WWI & II - dry dock tour

[LCHIEN]

The USS Texas, launched 1912 and now at least 110 years old was drydocked Aug 2021 for a badly needed overhaul to repair the damage of being in salt water for 110 years. SHe was donated to the State of Texas in 1948 and was drydocked for extensive repair in 1988-89.
This past year and 16 months they have been doing $35 millions of dry dock repair work prior to moving her from the San Jacinto monument ground to a berth in Galveston that will be more accessible for tourists.

They have been running dry dock tours to raise money a unique look at a battleship from below - clearly a first tour of its kind. I went today they have finished the welding and replacement of hull sections and have painted it one of the classic Measure 21 Navy Blue.

Here are some pictures I took today - I hope you enjoy looking at them. THere's no propellers - the Navy removed them prior to donation presumably to ensure the ship could not be used again. Normally the lack of propellers is not a big thing because you can't see them when she is in the water. The rudder is frozen at 15 degrees starboard. That was the last helms command given in 1948 and its now rusted in place.

[LCHIEN]

What it has to do with woodworking...
Each of 52 Keel blocks supports part of the weight of this 35,000 ton battleship. So each keel block has about 600 tons of weight
They use wood shims and wood timbers to shore up the ship in carefully plotted locations as they raise the ship in the drydock. So each block of the four timbers is supporting 150 tons.

[pablosala]

It's remarkable the last Dreadnought battleship is still around, the Texas is 110 years old, so it's impressive she has endured the test of time. I have not visited the Texas since 2009, I was part of a tour while I was in the RCN, she was quite impressive, so I hope the Texas will be restored for everyone to marvel at.

[capncarl]

Kinda like “Built like a Battleship” !

[Black walnut]

I was able to go onto the Missouri in 1982 while it was in mothballs, before it's recommission by President Regan. Those ships are such impressive tools for peace.

[undertakerapplaud]

It's remarkable the last Dreadnought battleship is still around, the Texas is 110 years old, so it's impressive she has endured the test of time. I have not visited the Texas since 2009, I was part of a tour while I was in the RCN, she was quite impressive, so I hope the Texas will be restored for everyone to marvel at.

As the last surviving dreadnought to have fought in both World Wars, the USS Texas (BB-35) is a unique and historically significant battleship. Her restoration in dry dock represents a significant step toward the preservation of a piece of maritime history, and it's amazing that you were able to witness her during such a crucial overhaul.

[dbhost]

We toured the USS Texas I guess it was in 2016 when it was berthed by the San Jacinto Battleground, my father in law, my late wife and myself. We were taking her Dad to do the bucket list things while we still could. Wish I could have had my Dad there too as he was a Navy guy himself... Anxious to see it once it is done.

[LCHIEN]

Expected to be reopen in 2025 docked as a museum near the cruise ship docks along Harborside Blvd. I think they will have some tours while still in work.

[Slik Geek]

Thanks for sharing the photos! That is a great-looking ship. I'm jealous.
I have visited the USS Alabama in Mobile, Alabama twice. I'd do it again if I find myself in the area. Fascinating to tour a battleship. I've explored submarines and aircraft carriers, but my favorite is the battleships.

[dbhost]

When I toured it last, the lower decks were inaccessible due to the damage / flooding. I wonder if when they re-open it they will be available to tour...

[capncarl]

All of that weight on the keel blocks! Just think though, every bit of that weight is supported by a concrete slab. It must be one heck of a slab!

lee, I’m impressed with your tour in the Peligro area!