USS Texas (BB-35): A US Navy Legend Restored in Galveston

USS Texas (BB-35) is one of the most iconic ships of the United States Navy, notable for its service in both World Wars and now being restored as a floating museum in Galveston, Texas.

USS Texas (BB-35): A Historical Icon of the United States Navy
Launched in 1914, USS Texas is the last surviving New York-class battleship and the only battleship to have served in both World War I and World War II. During World War II, the ship played a key role in major campaigns such as the Normandy (D-Day) landings, the campaigns at Cherbourg, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. On June 15, 1944, USS Texas departed port at 05:30 AM to take a bombardment position approximately 5 miles off the Îles Saint-Marcouf, providing fire support to Allied forces during the Normandy campaign.

Restoration and Return

After decades of being moored at San Jacinto as a museum, USS Texas was brought into the Gulf Copper Shipyard in Galveston in 2022 for a $60 million restoration project. By March 2024, the ship was removed from the dry dock and continued restoration work including steel replacement, new paint, and deck repairs. On August 22, 2024, the ship was moved from Pier D to Pier A in the same yard to continue work at a lower daily cost.

The Future in Galveston
In March 2025, USS Texas was confirmed to be permanently moored in the Port of Galveston, becoming a floating museum dedicated to the United States’ naval heritage. The ship’s restoration and preservation is being carried out by the nonprofit Battleship Texas Foundation, with the goal of completing the work in the near future to open to visitors.

A Living Heritage

The USS Texas is not only a historic battleship, but also a living symbol of the courage and sacrifice of American sailors during two World Wars. Restoring and preserving the ship not only preserves an important piece of history, but also provides an opportunity for future generations to better understand the great contributions of the United States Navy.