U.S.S. TEXAS - BB35

1927 - 1942

Click on the thumbnails to view the photos.

 

	Texas returned to drydock at Newport News in 1925 for modernization and came back into full service in 1927.  The single smoke pipe, tripod masts instead of cage masts and all new superstructure gave the ship a much different look.  Her 14 coal fired boilers were replaced with 6 oil fired units and torpedo blisters dramatically changed the hull's appearance and sea-keeping characteristics.
	The 14" main armament on Texas remained unchanged.  The fact that the turrets were not modified to allow the guns to elevate above 15 degrees meant that she would have a permanent range disadvantage against most battleships built after her.  Six of her 5"/51 guns were moved from the second deck to aircastles on the main deck and most of the positions at the second deck level were permanently abandoned.  The new positions made them more useful in all weather and sea conditions.  The illustration on the second row was actually a rendering on the Wyoming; however, it perfectly illustrates the new mount location and a crew manning the weapon.
	These remarkable color photos were taken aboard the ship in early 1942 by Gunnery Officer Charles Moses and were donated by his family.  Note the "bird bath" on top of the foremast.  It's compliment of .50 caliber machine guns for anti-aircraft protection were completely inadequate for the task and were removed prior to World War II.  Look at the center photo of the bow breaking a wave.  Can you tell from it which "hook" (anchor) was most commonly used?