Watching this slightly under four minute video shows just how badly the Battleship Texas had deteriorated. It is nothing short of a miracle that it did not founder before now.
It is in drydock now undergoing major refurbishing.
And frankly it should stay permanently in drydock. No matter how much work is done, the moment it touches water, the deterioration starts anew.
Texas should invest in a permanent drydock at an appropriate location and open her as a museum there.
It has been setting flooded below decks for years at the San Jacinto Battle Field Park on the Houston Ship Channel. From the look of it, they were lucky the keel didn’t break when they moved it.
The ship was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1948 and custody and title to the ship was given to the State of Texas. The State of Texas is fully responsible for all maintenance costs.
It SHOULD be done as far as sitting in the water. It could last for years in drydock with relatively low maintenance costs, just the one upfront cost of obtaining the permanent drydock.
But the instant it goes back in the water, the deterioration begins anew and so do the significant costs to fight the rust.
This is a classic case of being penny wise and pound foolish.
SPEND the money for the drydock upfront and properly preserve this vessel and reduce your future maintenance costs.