As extensive repairs to the historic USS Texas continue, plans for the ship's permanent home are being finalized.
The Battleship Texas Foundation announced this week that it is working on a deal to bring the ship to Galveston's Pier 21 waterfront development.
Texas is the last surviving battleship that served in both world wars. She is in dry dock in Galveston.
“This ship is in the hospital. We are performing major surgery on the ship,” said Travis Davis, vice president of ship operations for the Battleship Texas Foundation.
The state of Texas, which owns the ship, was considering scrapping it. Her 111-year-old battleship was pumping 2,000 gallons of water per minute from her longtime home near the San Jacinto Monument outside Houston. The pumps kept Texas afloat.
“There was definitely a chance we could lose the ship,” Davis said.
Fifteen months ago, the USS Texas was towed to the Gulf Copper Shipyard and removed from the sea.
Dozens of workers are slowly reversing decades of decline.
Fixing the leak is a top priority.
“The work we're doing on this ship is extremely important,” Davis said.
The heavily weathered wooden decking will also be replaced and will be made watertight above and below the Texas.
This spring, the USS Texas will return to the waters of Galveston Bay. Work continues with the goal of reopening her ship as a museum.
“Where else can kids get hands-on with something that served both world wars?” said Matt Pham, the foundation's vice president of development. “It serves as a resounding and lasting link to that generation and the sacrifices they made.”
Texas is spending $60 million on the project. Total cost is estimated at $75 million. A fundraiser is underway to raise the remaining funds.
While construction continues on the USS Texas, the public can tour the ship in dry dock. Learn more about.
