The USS Texas, Houston | Light Our Path

We were able to tour the entire ship both above deck and below (unless restoration work is being done on portions of the ship). There are placards providing information throughout the tour which we found very useful in teaching our children about the history of this ship. You can climb all the way up the Con tower if you choose.

The five inch guns are still partially functional. I had great fun working the elevation, traverse and search cranks on the guns with my daughters! We selected targets around the Bay and manipulated the cranks lined up our sights and fired! The firing part was just in our heads of course but the children loved it. Totally worthwhile stop and expense. Everyone enjoyed themselves. They also have a store with souvenirs and snacks, and an area for picnics on the grass.

In 1916, USS Texas became the first U.S. battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns. She was also the first to control gunfire with directors and range-keepers. In World War I, USS Texas joined the 6th Battle Squadron of the British Grand Fleet early in 1918. Her duties included laying a North Sea mine barrage, responding to German High Seas Fleet maneuvers, and helping prevent enemy naval forces from cutting off Allied supply lines

The USS Texas participated in both World Wars and saw action in each, the most significant action was in the second.

In World War II in the USS Texas escorted cargo ships across the Atlantic, supported the North African campaign, and then she shelled the beaches of Normandy. She was later transferred to the Pacific for gun support in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.