The historic USS Texas has officially found a permanent home at Galveston’s Pier 15. At the same time, the legendary SS United States arrives in Mobile to prepare for its transformation into an artificial reef.
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Following a unanimous decision by the Wharves Board of Trustees of Galveston, the USS Texas (BB-35), a World War I-era battleship, will remain in the city as a museum ship. The vessel will be berthed at Pier 15 near Pier 21 and the historic Galveston Strand. The decision was celebrated by the Battleship Texas Foundation, which oversees the vessel and emphasized its importance in promoting tourism and educating future generations.
The USS Texas has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration at Gulf Copper's shipyard on Pelican Island since 2022. The project includes modern visitor experiences, including guided excursions, augmented reality exhibits, and climate-controlled access. It is anticipated to be finalized this year. The final location at Pier 15 was selected to ensure that the port expansion plans would be minimally affected while also assuring safety within the busy Galveston Ship Channel.
In the interim, the SS United States, the fastest ocean liner to ever traverse the Atlantic, has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, for hazardous material removal. Subsequently, it will be converted into an artificial reef off Florida's Gulf Coast. The ship, which was owned by Okaloosa County, was towed from Philadelphia on its 401st and final voyage.
Crews at Modern American Recycling Services will remove contaminants from the SS United States, such as asbestos, petroleum, and non-metal components. The radar mast and twin funnels, which are iconic features, will be preserved for a future museum. Additionally, modifications will be implemented to guarantee that the vessel lands erect when submerged 20 miles off Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The reefing project is designed to establish a distinctive diving attraction and safeguard the ship's legacy by establishing a dedicated museum financed by the sale and a $1 million contribution from Okaloosa County.
