SINK OR SWIM, THE USS TEXAS FLOODING ITSELF WAS A GAMBLE THAT PAID OFF


By bblouin
uss texas flooding

During times of duress, sometimes we are called to do the impossible. You never really know just how far you can truly go until you have no other option, and when desperate times call for desperate measures, it’s time to get creative. The Sailors aboard the USS Texas on D-Day would come to understand this sentiment more than most. Despite what conventional wisdom tells us about keeping boats afloat, their mission called for Battleship Texas to take on water intentionally. This is the story of the USS Texas flooding itself, on purpose. Read next:How the USS New York Is a Living 9/11 Memorial

Did the USS Texas Flood Itself?

Yes, the USS Texas flooding its quarters intentionally is true. During World War II, the USS Texas (BB-35) was intentionally flooded during D-Day, in what one might think is the craziest attempt at insurance fraud ever. But in reality, it was a necessary maneuver to complete its mission.

Why Did the USS Texas Flood Itself?

@valentivideos “Yo hear me out” #fyp #fypシ #usstexas #dday #ww2 #history #artillery #weapons #valentivideos ♬ Maniac (Flashdance Version) [Re-Recorded] - Michael Sembello

During WWII, the USS Texas would find itself supporting efforts on Omaha Beach in June 1944. Of the 702 ships in the U.S.-British flotilla, Texas was one of only seven that was classified as a battleship, further adding to her importance for mission success. Firing nearly the same amount of shells in 34 minutes that she had throughout all of Operation Torch, the stage was set for her and her crew. Her 14-inch shells were shot off the coast to support the 29th Infantry Division and the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions. The USS Texas flooding itself would have to wait, however, as the ship and her crew returned to England, if only briefly. On June 15, she was back in Normandy facing new challenges. Allied Forces were now going inland after making great advances, but support was still needed on the frontlines. Because of the distance inland, the large guns weren’t able to launch their shells as far as they were needed. This is where one of the most creative moves in Navy history comes to life. The Sailors figured if the port side guns needed to go higher but couldn’t, they could lower the starboard side of the ship. This is when the USS Texas D-Day flooding itself would come about. By flooding the torpedo blister, the crew was able to get the extra two degrees needed to fire the guns accurately. The move worked, and the mission was a success, showing the ingenuity and lengths Americans were willing to go to in order to ensure a free world.

Visit and Follow the Battleship That Flooded Itself

On a normal day, you can find the USS Texas in La Porte, TX, serving as a museum at San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. But as of this writing, you won’t find her there for at least six to nine more months. The problem with being a ship built for saltwater travel is that you have to withstand a lot of salt water. Ask anyone who lives near the coast: That's simply a recipe for disaster. More specifically, it’s a recipe for deterioration. Right now, Battleship Texas is not in La Porte, but rather just a little farther south in Galveston, Texas, for necessary repairs and restoration. This process began in August 2022 and should be done by August 2023. Battleship updates from the Battleship Texas Foundation allow you to keep up with the progress, and it's not just a page saying, “stay tuned.” There are informative updates, photos, and videos to keep everyone updated on the progress. For December 2022, there are even special, limited tours available for those who would like to experience the ship while it’s drydocked. You’ll need to inquire online with the foundation ahead of time, however, as access is limited, and there are no tickets available at the ship itself.

USS Texas Flooding Is Yet Another Unique WWII Moment

If you’re looking for interesting history, WWII has no shortage of it. Everything from young singers liberating Nazi camps to limping lady spies disrupting operations is all on the table. But the USS Texas flooding itself intentionally holds its own. Thankfully, this innovative thinking helped win the war for the Allies and gave us all a crazy tidbit of trivia, as well. Suggested read:How WWII’s PQ-17 & USS Washington Faced Off Against the Germans

Image: CORBIS/Getty Images


JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest VeteranLife content and news.
Email*
CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.