U.S.S. TEXAS - BB35

Superstructure

The superstructure is basically all of the ship's structure extending above main deck level.  The most prominent portion of it is the foremast, which is shown below.  Other portions, such as the backup main battery and secondary battery controls, and the mainmast served vital fighting functions.  However, they are not shown since they have been stripped of equipment and are mostly sealed. 

The mainmast's "fighting top" consists of main battery control (also known as Spot 1), forward battle lookouts and secondary battery control.  They have been stripped of equipment and there is little to see.  Access is prohibited due to the dangerous climb necessary to reach it and doing so without permission will result in criminal trespass charges being filed.  However, pendants and flags are always strung for July 4 celebrations.  So, safety lines and harnesses were rigged to allow safe access and an opportunity for the pictures.  Most above the navigation bridge were then taken once the job was done.