Battleship Texas Restoration Makes Major Strides Toward 2026 Reopening

Project officials announced Thursday that crews working on the restoration of the 111-year-old Battleship Texas have successfully halted decades of deterioration. This effort brings the nation’s last surviving dreadnought closer to its goal of becoming an immersive museum, with plans to set sail again by late 2026 or early 2027. The recent update signifies a major milestone following the vessel's relocation to Galveston for a $75 million overhaul in 2022.

The Battleship Texas Foundation has announced that the historic vessel, which has faced persistent leaks at its previous location near the San Jacinto Battleground, is now watertight for the first time in decades. “For the first time in quite a while, the ship is completely free of leaks,” stated Travis Davis, the chief operating officer of the foundation. “The ship is currently free-floating, and it is in the best condition it has been in in nearly 90 years.”

The dreadnought, commissioned in 1914, was awarded five battle stars for its distinguished service spanning two oceans. The vessel played a crucial role in escorting Allied convoys, bombarding Axis fortifications during Operation Torch, and providing support for landings on D-Day, in Southern France, at Iwo Jima, and at Okinawa. It marked a significant technological advancement, being the first U.S. battleship equipped with anti-aircraft guns and capable of launching aircraft.

Teams have concentrated their efforts on ensuring structural integrity, replacing corroded steel, and installing a new water-sealed deck crafted from 36,000 square feet of East Texas yellow pine. Davis characterized the advancements made since departing dry dock as “nothing short of transformative,” highlighting that over $3 million has been invested solely in superstructure repairs to ensure the ship's stability.

Currently, about 30 restoration specialists are working from the bow to the stern, concentrating on welding, carpentry, and deck replacement. Interior restoration is set to commence in the first half of 2026. The plans feature the repainting of sections that were once accessible to the public, the installation of advanced climate-control systems, and the introduction of exhibits aimed at immersing visitors in a World War II–era experience aboard the vessel.

In a significant decision earlier this year, the Galveston Wharves Board designated Pier 15 as the permanent home for the ship upon completion of restoration efforts. Conveniently located near Gulf Copper Dry Dock and Rig Repair, the location enables crews to monitor the progress from the pier.

Leaders of the foundation emphasized that the educational mission of the project is beginning to materialize, as Thursday’s tour provided a preview of how the restored ship could serve as a cornerstone for new learning opportunities for students and visitors in Texas.

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