USS Texas - a Dreadnought story

Eric and Charles at the USS Texas in 2014

It was early in 1914 when the USS Texas was put to sea.  She was huge for her time, sporting ten-14 inch guns, each one capable of firing a 640 kg high explosive projectile a distance of 21 km.  Built for war, and designed to bring peace, she was afloat when the first battle cries of "The Great War" began.  The US did not enter the war until 1917, when it was the source of the first American shots to be fired.  Later known as World War I, the great ship fought with distinction and was responsible for saving many lives.

It also served in World War II.  Then being 27 years old, it would be considered obsolete by some.  Yet, she once again proudly protected the lives in her care and saw few casualties of those living within her steel fortifications.  It was retired from service in 1947.  Today it has the honour of being the only battleship to exist which has served in both world wars.

My friend Charles and I visited the floating legacy in 2018.  We were there the day before the 100th anniversary of its launching was celebrated.  It was the first battleship I had the privilege of visiting, and I was in awe of its floating armaments.  Even at 100 years old, it was a spectacle to behold.  The power, history, and sheer might before us.  We arrived early and were fortunate enough to be some of the first to view it all.

It seems that BB35, the USS Texas,  still had some history to share.  There were some veterans who came aboard, 32 of them, who served on the venerable floating fortress during its service in the second world war.  They were there the same day as we were, and were given access to the lower parts of the ship which others did not have permission to access.  There, one of the war time sailors, now an octogenarian, went to his old bunk.  In his reminiscing, he found something he had tucked away all those years before, still waiting for him.  A letter.  Addressed to him.

I do not have proof of this, only words I have heard while on board.  I do not know if they are true, but the story is amazing.  What's more amazing though is the legacy which the craft has given, and the fact that in all those years of service only one serviceman lost his life aboard.  Now that's something to celebrate.

https://battleshiptexas.org/          ericspix.com