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Key Points: The USS Texas (BB-35), a storied World War I and II battleship, recently underwent a $60 million refurbishment, preserving her legacy as the last floating dreadnought.

-Despite this, she remains without a permanent home. Formerly berthed at San Jacinto, her slip closed during the repairs, while Galveston, her current location, is resistant to hosting her long-term. Efforts to place her at Seawolf Park or Corpus Christi have faltered due to financial and logistical challenges.

-As a national symbol of resilience, finding a home for Texas is imperative to honor her service and ensure her preservation for future generations.

Battleship USS Texas Faces an Uncertain Future After $60M Overhaul

America may have moved beyond the battleship, but the battleship still floats firmly within the hearts of every Red-Blooded American.

Just look at the way in which Americans rallied to save the USS Texas (BB-35) from a grim future. Recently, a $60 million overhaul was completed on the storied battleship that fought in both world wars (and is still floating today!) and the old girl is basically brand new. 

There’s just one complication, despite her iconic status and the kind of money that was spent on making sure she could continue surviving and thriving in her long retirement, no one seems to actually want her.

For years, Texas was berthed at the San Jacinto battleground. But the moment she was moved over to Galveston for her much-needed repairs, her old slip at San Jacinto closed and won’t be reopening. Galveston, meanwhile, wants to ship gone because this iconic battleship from the previous century is seen by many restaurateurs and hoteliers as an eyesore, what with its high masts and epic turrets daring to blockade the business owners of Galveston’s precious waterfront views. 

Where Does She Go From Here?

Since the Texas’ refurbishment was completed, attempts have been made to get a permanent home for the battleship in Seawolf Park and Corpus Christi. Both were ultimately ruled out because of financial restraints and logistical limitations. So, the Texas, after receiving a 300,000-manhour, $60 million refurbishment to stay afloat can’t go home. Nor can she simply float out to sea. 

Still, either Seawolf Park or Corpus Christi would be great choices to move the ship because these areas already host impressive battlefield museums. But in the case of Seawolf Park, they would have to pay for a massive dredging operation for the Texas to be able to sail into place. The museum there simply doesn’t have the funds. 

Iowa-Class Battleship. Image: Creative Commons.

In Corpus Christi, meanwhile, state officials oppose the battleship’s potential move there, even though Texaswould be placed next to another WWII legend, the Essex-class aircraft carrier, USS Lexington (CV-16).

Understanding USS Texas

The USS Texas (BB-35) launched in 1912, the same year that the Titanic sank and just two years before the War to End All Wars erupted. As noted above, she would go on to serve in the Second World War, too.  

Investments have already been made to save the ship from sinking and falling into disrepair. Why are donors stopping now that they’ve saved the warship from physical damage and destruction? Finding a home should be paramount.

We owe it to a battleship that has survived what it has, served this country honorably, and withstood the test of time so well. She deserves a home and even if the federal government has to get involved to make things happen, Texas must be given a home. 

USS Texas

USS Texas battleship. Image: Creative Commons.

About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert 

Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior Editor at 19FortyFive.com and a contributor at Popular Mechanics, consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, The American Spectator, to the National Interest. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.