“USS Texas (BB-35), the second ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the U.S. state of Texas, is a New York-class battleship. The ship was launched on 18 May 1912 and commissioned on 12 March 1914.” (source)
Just before the batteship, there’s a monument dedicated to the Masons who helped established the Republic of Texas.
The USS Texas is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It costs $12 to explore the ship. Did you know that ships are referred as “she”?
USS Texas survived both WWI and WWII making it one out of six remaining battleships that served both wars. She has 3-inch guns, making her the first American battleship with anti-aircraft defense.
A peak inside the crew’s galley. It’s where the cook prepared 3 meals a day for 1,700 men during WWII.
“Among the world’s remaining battleships, Texas is notable for being the only remaining WW1 era dreadnought battleship…” (source)
There’s a butcher shop that provided meat and a bakery that provided fresh bread and pastries to the men.
“Among US-built battleships, Texas is notable for her sizable number of firsts: the first US Navy vessel to house a permanently assigned contingent of US Marines, the first US battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, the first US ship to control gunfire with directors and range-keepers (analog forerunners of today’s computers), the first US battleship to launch an aircraft, from a catapult on Turret 3, one of the first to receive the CXAM-1 version of CXAM production radar in the US Navy, the first US battleship to become a permanent museum ship,and the first battleship declared to be a US National Historic Landmark.” (source)
“When Texas was commissioned in 1914, the 14-inches guns were the largest naval weapons in the world, and they could launch up to a 1,500-pound projectile more than 12 miles.”
The pilot house is where the Captain directed the ship’s speed and combat operations. The Captain’s quarters was his home, which has a stateroom, head (bathroom), mess (dining), and a cabin (office).
“Texas was the first and oldest of the eight US battleships that became permanent floating museums. Texas is also one of the oldest surviving modern naval ships, having turned 100 years old on March 12, 2014.” (source)
The Admiral’s pantry is where food for the Admiral or VIPs are prepared. While the Scullery is where the crews’ dishes are washed and sterilized.
Bunk beds and lockers are found on the hallways.
The battleship also has an office of the Executive Office, who’s second in command. He approved work assignments and made the ship’s daily routine. The Bread room was kept full at all times to meet the demands of supply of 1,800 crewmen daily. The Dispensary and Medical office was the ship’s pharmacy. There’s also a chapel and a Dental office for free dental care.
The Canteen was the ship’s store where men can buy stuff not issued by the navy like snacks, tobacco, toothpaste, and magazines.
The ship has five washrooms. The crew took “navy showers” — wet down, lather up, and rinse off. Water was shut off in between to save water. Working in the laundry was considered unpleasant due to temperature exceeding 100 F. There’s also a barbershop and what seems like a drink station.
The Prophylactic room was where the crew get examined and treated for venereal diseases. There was also a table surrounded by bunk beds that showed the crews’ life aboard. There was also what seemed like a film canister. Crews would watch training videos or hollywood movies on the main deck. Texas was the first ship in the Navy to show a “talkie,” a film with sound.
The Machine shop was responsible for fabricating replacement parts not readily available. While the Main Radio received all the Morse code messages.
The third level of the ship was the engine room.
There are also hard-hat areas only available during specific tours. I happened to enter one accidentally. The door was open and I didn’t see the sign. It explained the stinky smell of the rooms. Fortunately, I was able to catch the crew who was already locking up the door! I almost ended up being the curious cat. I think I spent a good 2.5 hours on the ship. I didn’t even feel the time! Can’t imagine how hard it was for the crewmen during the wars. I’m amazed and humbled at the same time while exploring the battleship.
Javie Go 'Round 