Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 8, 1976):
Sole survivor of six American "dreadnoughts", TEXAS was completed in time to participate in the American landings at Veracruz. She served during World War I as a member of the Atlantic Fleet, hunting down German warships; between the wars, she was the first battleship to have an aircraft fly from her decks. During World War II, TEXAS served on Atlantic convoy duty, bombarding shore positions during the invasions of North Africa, Normandy, and Southern France; in late 1944, she proceeded to the Pacific where she participated in the bombardment of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Condition:
Below water hull deterioration is severe, and the wooden deck is decaying. The ship is subject to environmental and physical threats. It is docked in brackish water adjacent to an active ship channel and port facilities, in addition to petrochemical plants. The TEXAS is overdue on major structural renovation/restoration.

Invested ~$150,000 into monopile repair in Fall 2005 (main pilings to which ship is moored). Opened many interior spaces between Fall 2005-Fall 2006 including: forward officer’s berthing, stateroom of medical officer, forward bathroom, Admiral’s pantry and ammunition passageways. Recent denial of planned Federal funding for dry berth construction and renovation increased the threat of deterioration and the long term survivability unless alternative funding can be found.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
USS TEXAS needs substantial long term funding for staffing and to maintain the ship, in addition to an immediate and urgent need for funds to undergo a massive stabilization and/or restoration to prevent imminent loss of historical integrity.