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USS TEXAS ~ BB 35 Restoration/Preservation Project

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http://www.fantasticforum.com/ubb/Forum44/HTML/000001.html (1 of 13) [12/16/2001 6:55:32 PM]

Author Topic: USS TEXAS ~Restoration/Preservation Project

Linnea MeyerDread Pirate

Posts: 6605From: Upon theHigh Seas ~ Aboardthe FANTASTICRegistered: Apr2000

posted 11 April 2001 11:14 PM

Discussion, information on restoration project of the USS TEXAS

Some posts transferred to this topic area -

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Spike MikeSwashbuckler

Posts: 6184From: a brokenhome - sumbitchcracked right downthe middle!Registered: Jan2001

posted 12 April 2001 12:15 AM

Originally posted 5 Apr O1:

Notes from the first TFV meeting of 2OO1:

Our museum curator, Barry, showed us an authentic fire control &plotting chart from Iwo Jima, showing the positions & sectors of the USSTexas, USS Arkansas, and other battleships.Historian chief John had a report on upcoming events and projects in theworks. At one event (I don't remember which one; I don't think it was forTexas Independence Day, April 21st. Coincidentally, FF's anniversary andrevisedcode's birthday!! e-mail him & ask him if he feels as old asYoda! ) we have recieved permission to fire (blanks) either the 2O or4Omm gun. We also have recieved new help from a new backer, with$$$, so things may pick up a bit around the decks.And the best news he had was, a project in the works, to start assigningstaterooms (officer's quarters) to TFV members, to be individualrestoration projects. And when the room is mostly fully restored (nothingcan be done a full 1OO%), the member will be allowed to sleepovernight, onboard, any time they wish. Talk about your exclusive hotelsuites! I am very excited about this; after all, how many people,especially civilians (and weirdos), do you know with their own roomaboard a battleship? And yes, in lieu of donations to the ship,arrangements could be made to "rent" it for a night We also sat for a viewing of a black & white movie (on video) from 1931,showing everyday life & operations aboard the USS Texas, includingmarine drills, sailors doing chores & personal duties, wrestling, playing



cards, washing hammocks, etc., trianing manuveurs with otherbattleships, spotter plane launch (from #3Turret) & recovery, andgunnery practice (with some sailors in the precarious position of sitting ina 26-foot whaler, carrying a big target onboard!) of 2O & 4Omm, 3 &5-inch, and of course, the 14-inch guns, with some striking shots of thosebig 'uns going off at night. There was also footage of one of the ship'smascots, a bulldog named Maggie. Members were allowed to keep thingslighthearted with humoruos comments & sound effects during thescreening.Afterwards, I talked to Docent chief Ed about tour guide training, and toRestoration chief Wesley about performing some "spiritual entity" audiorecordings onboard the ship, which he seemed somewhat eager topursue. He has occasionally listened to Art Bell, and was somewhat eagerto run these experiments. It will take time, and I will let you know how itprogresses. Wes is in the process of building a working 1/24th scalemodel of the turret/barbette works, and hopes to have it completed forthe reunion in October. I volunteered to crawl around inside & help himtake measurements.

SpikeMike*~DreadnoughtDog

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FairBeccaSwashbuckler

Posts: 2536From: over slept...Iain't sure....Registered: Jan2001


Right ON BROTHER~~~~~It's a GOOD day..when we honor our American"can do"...and I'm behind you...100% !so lets see some pics!FairBecca

(not! ...just another red-neck!)

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Long-Term Hull Maintenance:

Under normal conditions, ships go into dry-dock every three to six years.(A dry-dock is a massive chamber; the ship is pulled in, doors close, andthe water is pumped out. This allows workers access to the hull below thewaterline.) The last time BB-35 went to dry dock was in 1988, when shewas towed to Todd Shipyard, in Galveston. After 4O years of sitting inthe water and mud, she literally almost sank on her way. To see pictures,go to the Photos/Art page at usstexasbb35.com - then go down to thelower right side, and click on the link titled "Dry Dock 1988-199O"

Now, tenative plans are in the works to send her to dry dock once again.The newly rescheduled date is 2OO3-O4. Todd Shipyard has recentlychanged ownership, and scheduling there is uncertain. The next closestDD is New Orleans; booked +5 years. That leaves either Mobile, Alabamaor Tampa, Florida. She will be pulled by two ocean-going tugboats (bigmuthas!) at a rough speed of three knots, due to the fact that her rudderis frozen, over to 13 1/2 port.

Now, here's the KEWL part; when she goes, they may allow the paidworkers and TFV volunteers to accompany her on her way to port!!!!!!!!



Hey, it's only logical; after all, we know the most about the ship. Theywere along for the ride when she went to Todd in '88; one worker told meit was no pleasure cruise, as they were battling flooding most of the way.However, (we hope) her hull is in better shape this time.

This could seriously happen. They may even allow major contributors toride along. (save yer money!:cool The stateroom project would give alot of us nice quarters for the trip. It could be the cruise of a lifetime. And I will be sneaking a Jolly Roger flag onboard, for photo opportunities.Hey, what're they gonna do- kick me off the boat while in the middle ofthe gulf? I better take an inflatable raft, just in case.

SpikeMike*~DreadnoughtDog

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April 10th post - moved to this topic

Mike - The work on the USS TEXAS - is a fascinating story! I feel sopriviledged to have an opportunity to have a bird's eye view and aninsider's knowledge of what is happening aboard this historic ship!Did Chief Wesley give any clue in his demeanor or reactions - of whetherhe thought the 'spiritual entities' project would be entertained at all?

I have not yet been to Texas - but I would definitely make a plan to 'dothe tour' - of at least the Highlands and San Jacinto - if that would includea stay aboard this wonderful ship.

Thanks for keeping us posted, Mike - and for sharing ths wonderfulproject with us. I plan to put up a special tribute page on the FF - withsome pictures- a synopsis of the restoral project, etc and a link to theUSS TEXAS web site.

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Black TasselSwashbuckler

Posts: 1204From: LadnerVillage, CanadaRegistered: May2000


Really boggles my little mind, to think I'd ever become spiritually bondedto a battleship, and an American one at that!!

Is there truly a border between our countries??

With Love, Mike and BB~35 Brenda

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Thank you, Brenda, for your very kind words.

The other day I discovered the security gate to the Third deck port ammopass was unlocked. So I went to inform our curator, Barry, to see ifanyone was working in there. He said no, and asked me to go & lock it. Igot his permission to go and take some photos, and to look around &make sure I wasn't locking anyone up in there. No, I didn't feel, see, orhear anything unusual.I got several shots of the Main Radio Room, and then went three decksdown into the Hold, and got some shots of the Battery Fire Controlcalculation machinery. They didn't call them "computers" back then.These calcs take up space equal to about five refrigerators, side-by-side,and are in a room not seen by most TFV members.

Tomorrow, we are going to get her "fully dressed", running a line ofsignal flags from bow to stern, over the top of the foremast andmainmast. Like this;

I don't know how this will be worked, but I assume it involves someclimbing. KEWL!!

SpikeMike~NotAfraidOfHeights

[This message has been edited by Spike Mike (edited 16 April 2001).]

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First, one correction: we did not dress the ship on Friday. We will do thatthis Friday, in preparation for San Jacinto Day.

Easter Weekend:Well, for those who may think the Battleship Texas is just some unknownrusting relic, stuck away in obscurity... El wrongo!! This weekend wouldhave changed your mind. We had tourists onboard Sunday from Russia,Germany, Holland, and Great Britian; and all of these guests said theyhad come to Texas, just to see this ship, BB-35. I personally gave tour tothe group from Britian, one of which had seen BB-35 from a frieghter, atnight, a few years after she was berthed at the Battleground. He had nothad port time to visit her then, and had been waiting 48 years to comeback and see her. They (his brother and a lady cousin were with him)were very thankful for my hospitality & information, as I gave them agood showing of the ship. Even opened my locker for them to take a look.They loved the Guinness pub towel I had hanging on the door!!I did not get to meet the Germans or Dutch, but I did shake the hand ofthe Russian man. The park was full of people, and the aroma of barbequewafting through the starboard aircastle was maddening. Good thing wehad our own pot-luck lunch. The only problem was Harris County Sheriff'smounted patrol had made their temporary HQ in the north shore picnicarea. This is where I take my "before & after ship" break, if you catch mymeaning.But it was still a good day.

SpikeMike


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Here's the Rita Hayworth photo I have taped to the inside of my lockerdoor...



This pic is from 1941. I cannot find a link to the famous LIFE magazinephoto of Rita, taken by Robert Landry, and published in the August 11th,1941. If anyone knows of one, I would love to have it.

SpikeMike


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revisedcodeDread Pirate

Posts: 2551From: Far Far Awayin a long lost galaxyRegistered: Apr2000


WOW now thats a BABE!!!

I love what you are doing on the TEXAS !!!!

SUPER KEWL!!!!

I love the pictures too!!!

You are doing Great Work Mike!!!

Revisedcode

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GwenSwashbuckler

Posts: 696From: ArizonaRegistered: Oct2000


Mike, check your yahoo mail

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Thanks, Cap'n Code! Many of the older crew members have commentedon her, and would agree with you.

Yes Gwen, I checked that link you gave me, but unfortunately, I keepgetting a "website not responding" message. But thanks for the help allthe same.

Later this week, I will be running some radio transmission tests bytransmitting with a hand-held Cobra CB radio from the Flag Bridge, +66feet above the waterline on an all-steel structure. I'll let you know aboutany distance improvements.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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GwenSwashbuckler

Posts: 696From: ArizonaRegistered: Oct2000


Gee, it works for me, Mike. Oh well, I'm going to share the site...youguys will love this:The Most Famous Pinups of World War II

[This message has been edited by Gwen (edited 18 April 2001).]

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shootzooSwashbuckler

Posts: 2221From: SouthCarolinaRegistered: May2000


I think Mike will be very pleased.Way to go Gwen!

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Hi Gwen - Perfect Hit!Spike Mike will go nuts over that site!

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Ah Gwen, if it weren't such a long ride, I'd kiss ya! THAT is the exact shotof Rita I was looking for! I will add that photo to the one already in mylocker (above) and the Betty Grable shot as well.

I remember when I first saw that Rita Hayworth photo. It was in thejunior high school library, in a book titled, 'The Best of LIFE' whichcontained the all-time best photos (to date) from the pages of LIFEmagazine. If I could, I would reduce that picture and paste it in thedictionary over the definition for "alluring". It's the kind of photo that setsa mark in one's mind. Thanks again, Gwen.

SpikeMike~NowDistracted

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And, just to be clear, and for drooling purposes, this is the greatestpin-up photo of all time!



Spikemike*~ReallyDistracted

P.S.- Thanks agsin, Gwen. I don't know why that link wouldn't work inyour e-mail.

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Well, we still didn't run the flags today. It will be done starting around8:OOam tomorrow.Forgot an adapter I needed for my CB radio (felt like a dumbass!) so theRadio test will have to wait until tomorrow.

SpikeMike*~Newsmonger

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CB Radio Test - Battleship Texas

Radio: Cobra HH-35WX 4O-channel hand-held Citizen's BandPower: 1O Radio Shack AA Ni-Cad high-capacity batteriesAntenna: Diesel 3O-inch auto w/ removable clamp

I clamped the antenna to a railing on the Flag Bridge, approxiamently 7Ofeet above the waterline. I think an all-metal structure helped. Maximumdistance of transmission was 13-14 miles; I talked to a driver at I-1Omile marker 8O1, and I am near 787. A noticeable four-mileimprovement - a big bonus with hand-helds. Also, recieving range wasundescribable. I really don't know how far away some other operatorswere, but I heard someone describing a valley, and we have no valleysfor many miles around.

SpikeMike

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Really cool, MikeKeep us posted!

PS: What has been the fate of the other (is it Utah Class?) Battleships orthe USS Texas Era?

[This message has been edited by Linnea Meyer (edited 23 April 2001).]

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Hilda SophiaBuccaneer

Posts: 1347From: ConnecticutRegistered: May2000


Thank you, Gwen, for the link to the most famous pin-ups of WWII.

Betty Grable was my favorite of the three.I went to the movies at least two times a week during the 40s and 50s.Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons when the feature changed.Musicals were my favorite. I loved to watch Betty dance as I have two leftfeet.

The anorexic bags of bones that are the stars of Hollywood today can'thold a candle to these lovely ladies.

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Hilda, and Gwen, I also taped Betty's picture to the door of my locker, inaddition to the shots of Rita. Yes, that photo too, is one remembered bymany of the old WWII vets. She belongs onboard as well.

Linnea, the USS Texas is a New York class battleship. (it's okay that youdidn't know. Very few do - even on the crew!) Only two were made; theTexas and BB-34, USS New York.And as for your other question; yes you can see many of the oldbattleships, like the Bismark. But you gotta learn to scuba dive!!!

But seriously, only eight US battleships remain.

BB-55 USS North Carolina - Wilmington, NCBB-59 USS Massachusetts - Fall River, MABB-6O USS Alabama - Mobile, ABBB-61 USS Iowa - Philadelphia Naval ShipyardBB-62 USS New Jersey - Puget Sound Naval ShipyardBB-63 USS Missouri - Pearl Harbor, HawaiiBB-64 USS Wisconsin - Philadelphia Naval Shipyard

Those that weren't sunk in WWII were sold for scrap.

And then there is the USS Texas. She is the last of the dreadnoughts("fear nothing") and the oldest surviving battleship in the world. That iswhy we often get visitors from overseas. She is the last of her kind.

SpikeMike*


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I would also like to invite all pirates onboard the Fantastic to bombard mewith any questions that come to mind. It's good study & practice fortour-guiding.

SpikeMike

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Thanks, Mike -

Where do you get your information? Is there a library on the USS Texas?

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Yes Linnea, there is. We have many authentic documents, as well asphotocopies of papers, logs, manuals, etc. There are also books onwarships in general, as well as other reference books.

SpikeMike~Newsmonger

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USS TEXAS ~Restoration/Preservation Project (Page 2)





http://www.fantasticforum.com/ubb/Forum44/HTML/000001-2.html (1 of 11) [12/16/2001 6:55:35 PM]


Posts: 6184From: a broken home -sumbitch cracked right downthe middle!Registered: Jan 2001


Dressing The Ship:

To "dress the ship" means to run signal flags from her bow to herstern. It's very colorful, and is only done for special occasions.

I was part of the Maimmast crew; mainly 'cause I'm skinny & I canclimb good. The first ladder is the worst; almost 3O feet of 12-inchwide rungs, less than 3 inches from the mast. It ends in adoorless, open hatch (more like a square hole) less than 24 inchessquare. Lets just say there is great pucker factor your first timeup. But once you get to the first platform, you're okay. Up a shortladder (about seven feet), then another, then a ten-foot ladderthrough a very narrow hole. This is the top; 7O feet above thewater line. Great view. Really pumps the adrenaline & builds theconfidence.In the morning it was me, JD, and Robert. Rob made a commentabout the hatches "up here have gotten smaller." (He's about theportliest of the crew that can get this far.)We had to pull the flagsfrom the Foremast to the Mainmast (not too hard), then pull theflags up, attach them to the cable, and let them down to the bow.(There are three separarte lines of flags - from the bow to theForemast - Foremast to Maimmast - Mainmast to the bow)In the afternoon, it was only me & JD. We climbed up, and pulledthe flags from the Foremast and passed them down to the MainDeck. That flag line gets heavy, especialy in high wind, which therewas plenty. Then we lowered the aft line to the bow. That was themost easiest of all.Just before we started striking the midship line, JD & I got a littlesuprise. Some tourist pops his head through the hatch on the topplatform, much to our suprise!! "What the hell are you doinghere?" JD asked him. "Well, we saw a ladder..." and JD cut him offto tell him how dangerous that was, and this area wasn't open tothe public. I watched them to make sure they got down the lastladder safely. I say "they", because he brought his girlfriend withhim! What a dumbass! Then again, we should've asked them ifthey wanted to volunteer. Looking back, I wish I would have hadthe wits about me to look at JD & say, "hey, tourism's up!"I didn't take a camera with me, because this was my first time up,and I wanted as few distractions as possible. We will probablydress her again on Memorial Day, and we will dress for 4th of July.All in all, it was fun, but some hard work. All that climbing canleave one a little sore. But it was worth it!

SpikeMike~BB-35

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Posts: 6605From: Upon the High Seas ~Aboard the FANTASTICRegistered: Apr 2000


Wow Mike!

What a story!I must have taken tremendous courage to start up that climb tothe topmast!Did you sailors have any safety belts that secured you to theladders! Like the telephone pole climbers?

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While climbing the ladder, no. You just take it one step at a time &don't get in a hurry. After all, what are they gonna do; fire avolunteer for being slow?

When JD was out on an expanded metal platform, pulling in themidship flags, he had a safety line & belt. He would unwrap theflags (the high wind will wrap them around the cable) and thenunhook the flag line from steel sliding rings. The flag line hungslack between him & I (my job), to make it easier for him. I hadthe task of lowering the flag line down to Ed & others on the MainDeck. And they are not light. Each flag is about 3O x 4O inches,made of a soft canvas. (even heavier in a 2O-25 knot stedy wind!)I didn't need a safety line because I was inside the gun tub, thetop platform, with steel wall up to my armpits.

But yes, Linnea, that first time up is somewhat harrowing, and thefirst trip down is just as intense, maybe a bit more. (I've alwayspreferred climbing up as opposed to climbing down.) But afterthat, you know what to expect, and it gets easier. Just don't gettoo comfortable, or rush yourself. That's when you slip & fall, orstep through the hatch/hole, and the fun ends real quick. Ascoutmaster asked me about the metal stretcher, located waydown in the Engine Room's Hold Deck. I told him, "just in case..."

BTW, I think Ed once said that one of our volunteers, comes fromSeattle. He comes to Houston, gets a motel room for a week or so,and puts in his 4O- hours-a-year requirement. KEWL!!! But hey,where else you gonna go if you want to work on a truedreadnought?

SpikeMike~BB-35

[This message has been edited by Spike Mike (edited 24 April2001).]

[This message has been edited by Spike Mike (edited 24 April2001).]

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What blows my mind is the thought of a dozen, or more, sailorsscrambling up that ladder, in a matter of a few minutes, during asuprise General Quarters. It's fun as a volunteer, but I don't think Iwould want to try it as a job.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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A Day's Work:

Yesterday we were scheduled to re-wire the big loudspeakersabove the Main Deck, but we didn't have the materials neccessary,so we brainstormed on different ways to eventually get it done.You see, all work done must be approved by, first the chiefs, andthen the final word will come from curator Barry. TPWD and theBattleship Texas Commission might get very upset if one were tojust go about drilling holes in the ship. Remember, she is alsoconsidered to be a museum, as well as a relic.So, JD & I went back up the Mainmast to take measurements onthat platform he almost got blown off twice (last week). The paidworkers will fabricate it, and we will help install it. Took photoshots of the Main Deck (front & rear) from the Sky Control Aft box,and one shot, from the top, of the infamous first ladder & narrowhatch.Later, we had hell as a group of junior high school kids came onboard at the same time as a bunch of ROTC cadets, in uniform.(the ROTCs were about high school age,; a little older than the"civilian" kids) The "civs" were the worst, obnoxious little bratswho were very loud, disordered, and wanted to climb everything. Iknow now why some animals eat their young.The ROTCs were at least orderly, if somewhat disinterested. Weguided them through in two groups; Jerry took one & JD took theother. I helped Jerry by bringing up the rear of his group. A few ofthe youngsters I spoke with couldn't understand why we wouldwork on BB-35 without getting paid. Hopefully, when they areolder, they will.Calamity tried to rear its ugly head,as one of the female cadetsstarted to suffer the symtoms of heat exhaustion. But your manSpikeMike was there to punch Calamity in the neck & renderassistance. We got her to the air-conditioned break room, I got hersome water to drink, and some cool wet towels to put on herforehead. After about 45 minutes, she recovered enough to walkoff the ship under her own power.Then we got to some fun stuff. We had a camera crew onboard,shooting a video documentary of the USS Texas. They said theywere going to pitch it to PBS, History Channel, Discovery Channel,Learning Channel & others like them. They gave us a quick previewof what they had put together so far. It was weird to watch a showabout the Texas, while onboard the Texas.And then, Wesley said he had to go below to take somemeasurements in the Handling Room, and asked if I wanted to goalong. Another volunteer, Steve, also went with us, as well asWesley's young son (around 8-1O years old). This section is downbelow the Barbettes for the #1 & #2 Turrets, and is not open tothe general public, nor readily open to volunteers. There are nolights (except flashlights) and it can be quite dangerous. I tookmany photos, and may have to sit down with Wes & make sure Iknow what they all are.Third Deck and the Engine Room are temporarilly closed to thepublic. There is some water in non-access places, and hoses mustgo through public access areas to get to where they are needed.We had some rain earlier this week, but my rain guage shows itwas only 7/1O of an inch. That could mean one unfortunatepossiblity.We may have a leak.



So far, I can tell you what we don't know. We don't know if it'srainwater or channelwater. (No one has offered to taste-sampleit.)We don't know where the leak could be or how much water iscoming in the ship. And we don't know what it might take to fix it.So far, all we have is some standing water inside the ship thatshouldn't be there, and workers are trying to find answers. She'snot abou to sink, but it is important. I'll keep you updated.Next Sunday, we start Docent Tour Guide training classes with Ed,who has possibly temporarilly forgotten more about the ship than Imay ever know. This is where the hard-learning will come; Ed cantake you places & explain things you (hell, I) can't imagine.Oh, one more thing: down in the Handling Room, there are thesesignaling levers. They are brass, the faceplate is round, and theindicator lever is turned like the hand on a clock. The lever has apointer to indicate a different status of operation (sending powderup, sending projectile up, standby, etc.) When you rotate thelever, the signaling bells way up in the Turret still ring. (HeyCrabby! Something still works!!) I commented, "I bet the touristsin the #1Turret are freaking out right about now!"I will be sending Linnea some pictures Monday, and more laterwhen I get this last roll developed. One should show me standinginside a projectile hoist, and some others that may be interesting.I hope they turn out good.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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Crabby OldmanBuccaneer

Posts: 853From: Mid, Atlantic, USARegistered: May 2000


Hey Spike - sorry to hear about the leak. Those signal bellthings...are they called telegraphs? (I think they are) I alwayswanted to operate one of them, cha-ching-ching (all ahead full)

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Posts: 2536From: over slept...I ain'tsure....Registered: Jan 2001


Spike...!Holy Stockin's Man!When I said...I was afraid ofthe ship springing a leak...and sinkin'...(for cryin' out loud!)...I was just blowing steam!...and not even talking about theBB-35...!(Really!!)...Great SCOTT!...I hope I've not jinxed her! Hmmmmm.....

B.T.W...You're doing great work!!! I look forward to seeing thephoto's...cause...I know your heart'sin them! I can't tell you enough..how proud I/We are of you...without being too hmm....repetative..(sp?)...



Love to you Brother!!!!!FairBecca

------------------Light and Warmth...to all

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flpriceSwashbuckler

Posts: 2196From: Half-Way DownArkansas, USA -Registered: May 2000


Spike, I wish I had time to come down and give y'all a hand but Ibarely have time to read part of this board once in while.

I think what y'all are doing is historically one of the most importantthings I have ever heard of.

I salute you and the men of the USS Texas.

Lt. F. L. Price, USNR (1971 - 1979)

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No FairBecca, I don't think you did. These thing just happen. Itcould be rainwater build-up, even after less than an inch of rain.I'll be going over one afternoon this week and will get an update.But like I said, don't panic: she's not sinking.Yeah Crab, that's what I was trying to remember; telegraphs!They were purely mechanical, as the Navy still didn't trustelectricity in 1912. I wanna climb the ladder one day, up under the#1Turret, and have Wes crank the telegraph, while I'm howling,"ooo-o-oh-h-hh!", and have JD outside on the Main Deck with avideo camera. That could make some cash on "America's FunniestVideos!"And hey Frank, thanks. Don't worry, you can come down anytime.She's not going anywhere (except that dry-dock thing, and I'll letyou know about that) and she's open 7 per week, so whenever youget the free time, make the trip. Plus, it'll give me time to getmore familiar with the ship and the organization. You'll get a bettertour a year from now than you would today, I can almost promise.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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Kurt KruschinskaBuccaneer

Posts: 404From: Clowns to the Left ofMe, Jokers to the Right...Registered: Dec 2000

posted 03 May 2001 05:40 PM

Mike - One correction to your list of battleships. The New Jersey isno longer in Puget Sound, but it is in New Jersey, in Camden.

[This message has been edited by Kurt Kruschinska (edited 03 May2001).]

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Spike ,I'm wondering how you're doing?And where are the photos?!Just don't know if you realize,that your work on the BB~35 hasmade quite a few pirates here,consider her very much a part of ourinterests, and especially importantto the brother/sisterhood of theFantasitc Forum!I'm interested in WHAT all is beingdone...so...Um..What's going on! Pesky-Becca

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Hey thanks Kurt. I was not aware she had been moved. That infowas garnered off the site www.hazegray.com Are you located nearthe USS New Jersey, and can you tell me are they planning to"stick her in the mud" like some of the other museum battleshipsaround the country? That mistake was made here 53 years ago. Ihope they change their minds.

And well, FairBecca, have you heard of a chronic medical conditioncalled deadassatosis? Well I was suffering from it for a few daysbut, fear not! I sent Linnea pictures today, with more to come.

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Most right ON!(so many retorts..so little time!)

I'm being good..was going to mention potions...various med. creams...etc.but I'm a good girl..(thanks Monsterette)!!! and won't go there!

I know you're busy..and it's been a bit lazy here lately!

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quote:

Originally posted by Spike Mike:Yes Linnea, there is. We have many authenticdocuments, as well as photocopies of papers,logs, manuals, etc. There are also books onwarships in general, as well as other referencebooks.

SpikeMike~Newsmonger

Any chance you'll be able to read the logbooks?Mayhaps, even pinpoint fueling procedures?Becca

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FairBecca, I'm sure I could look at log books, I've not asked aboutthem. And as for refueling procedures, I could talk to Ed about anyinfo he may have. This Sunday, we will start the six-week Ship'sFamiliarization Course required for all official tour guides. This iswhere the hard learning will begin. I will keep your question inmind.

SpikeMike

[This message has been edited by Spike Mike (edited 03 May2001).]

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Hey Spike!Are the log books ...online anywhere?Cause , if so...I could look through them, and save youalot of time.I don't mind doing a search, And

Cleve sais..."Hi there, young fella!Damned good thing you're doing. Up keepingan old girl like that.!""Don't let them tourist bother you ...throw 'em over...if they do!"He laughed..!and then told me MORE stories ...What a gift!At 74...It's a joy for me..I've shown him the restoration project...as I know it to be..and all the photo's of BB-35....that I've aquired....and your work...He told me..the evaporator room was used to make water..while out to sea..(D"uhhh)..makes sence!



To him...it's only like yesterday.To me...Well...I'm learning.Oh by the way!...Hi!FairBecca


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posted 10 May 2001 12:02 AM

FairBecca, tell Cleve I said "thank you" for all his sentiments &sacrifices. His hat is going to the ship tomorrow in preparation forMemorial Day. Keeping the memory of their valiant effort alive isour goal.

And sorry, no, the logs are not available over the web. That wouldtake a large effort on someone's part to transfer.

SpikeMike

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If anyone has an interest in seeing any particular area, space,equipment, or armament, please post it here & I will take somepictures on my next camera adventure. Here is a link to the DECKPLANS, as posted on Chuck Moore's website. They may be of somehelp.

SpikeMike


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BTW, the USS Texas turns 89 years old next Friday, May 18th. Shewas launched in 1912. Send her a birthday card.

SpikeMike


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Also (I guess I shouls mention this at some time), Michael "SpikeMike" Fisk is not an official spokesman or representative of theBattleship Texas, Texas First Volunteers, the Battleship TexasFoundation, San Jacinto Battelground, or Texas Parks & WildlifeDepartment. He is not an employee, and does not work for TPWDor the State of Texas. He is merely a volunteer member of theFTV, and these are simply his tales of high adventure aboard oneBB-35.

Thank you very much.SpikeMike

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Spike!,You mean ..you're NOT getting PAIDto CARE??!!Why, I'm shocked!!

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What!It's awful durn quietin here!Heh, heh, heh!

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Why - FairBecca!You put the moon to sleep, and are up with the sun!

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Not a dime, FairBecca. I like to think we get paid in karma.

And we occasionally get kewl little bits like this one. I posted thisover in "Jokes..." in 'The Brig' but as you will see, it belongs here,too. This story really happened.

A young boy, about 5 or 6 years old, asked me, "if there is anotherwar, will the battleship go away?" I replied, "no, son, her enginesdon't work anymore."He resaponde, "oh", then after a moment of thought, said, "so willyou just shoot 'em from here?"

I laughed so hard, I had to lean against a splinter shield.

SpikeMike

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The USS Texas was launched on May 18th, 1912. That would makeher 89 years old today. She was not completed; over the next yearor so, the 14-inch guns were placed, as well as other guns &equipment.I would really like everyone to think about that for a moment. Howmany things around you are 89 years old, including some of thebuildings?Strangely, there are no celebrations planned for her today. Inmany ways, she is most often overlooked. But it's the little specialdays like this that makes it worthwhile to be helping her to growold.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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FAN-TASTIC FORUM







Posts: 2536From: over slept...Iain't sure....Registered: Jan 2001


Happy Birthday...BB-35!!and Thank you...Let freedom Ring!!

FairBecca


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Posts: 6605From: Upon the HighSeas ~ Aboard theFANTASTICRegistered: Apr 2000 posted 19 May 2001 05:26 PM

Yes! A Salute to the Grand Old Gal!And a Salute to All our Armed Services Personnel on Armed Forces Day!

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Posts: 1204From: Ladner Village,CanadaRegistered: May 2000


{{{{ }}}}

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Posts: 6605From: Upon the HighSeas ~ Aboard theFANTASTICRegistered: Apr 2000


For those of you curious to meet our USS Texas Tour GuideExtraordinaire - Check out the Fantastic Forum Anniversary Tour -Fantastic Crew - new Page 5!

quick link here:http://www.fantasticforum.com/FFAnniversary/pages/ffmembers5.html

[This message has been edited by Linnea Meyer (edited 20 May 2001).]

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Posts: 6184From: a broken home- sumbitch crackedright down themiddle!Registered: Jan 2001


And that ain't woodhe's choppin'!!

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Aahh!!...Spike!!Very, very nice set-up you'vegot goin' there!!((Guessing you're a "happy camper"!!))

As it SHOULD be, brother!!Peace!!FairBecca


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danebruceBuccaneer

Posts: 292From: Las Vegas NVUSARegistered: May 2000


Too bad I can't see the ship! It sounds cool

I have always had a fascination with Iron Hulled Ships. Ask my family - Iwas relentless with the titanic stories for a year or more!

------------------

He who owns cowboy boots & sandals is a genius.

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DisneyFreak96Swashbuckler

Posts: 1550From: New OrleansSquare, DisneylandRegistered: May 2000


Just checking in to see how the Ship's Familiarization Course isgoing...you will share the most interesting facts with us, now won'tyou????

------------------signing off....DisneyFreak96

"If we can dream it, we can do it."Horizons Attraction, WDW(1983-1999)

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Hey danebruce, as I've told others, she's not going anywhere! Well,hopefully in 2OO3-O4, she will go somewhere to a dry-dock for hullmaintenance. But other than that, whenever you get some free timeover the next five years or so, she'll still be here waiting. And hey, bythen maybe we will have much more of the ship open; radio room,handling room, etc.

And of course I will share, DisneyNreak. Last week we studied theengines and boilers. We also took a trip into the evaporator room, andeventually made our way down to the #3 boiler room. This area showedyears of desertion, and even some previous flooding damage, but wasall still intact (not functioning).One of the most remarkalbe parts of the ship's familiaization course isthe instructor, Mr. Ed Morrison. Ed knows morer about BB-35 than I willprobably be able to forget. He is 81 years old (if I remember correctly)and can still make his way up the foremast to help dress the ship. I hopeI have as many good years. It is truly a fascinating joy to follow himaround and listen to him describe the workings of a modern/ancientnaval warship. He has intimate knowledge of the vessel; he can evenpoint out a spot where sailors were known to hide & masturbate. Notsomething told to the general public! (luckily, this part of the ship isrestricted access.) And not only does he know the servise history, but healso knows a lot of her recent history, from when she was berthed as amuseum. He is easy-going, quite intelligent, and is a world-class modelbuilder. He literally has a fleet of model warships, all built by him. He isalso an amatuer astronomer, which is another subject he & I have incommon. I have made it a personal goal to learn as much as I can fromthe man, and help carry that knowledge after he is gone. And I raise myglass now and toast to the hope that it will be a long tutorial.

Please, ask any questions you may have about the ship. It will help mepractice for my tour-guiding. This Sunday (26MayO1) will be the fourthof six days of the scheduled class. After that, we take a closed-book,written test to become official, accredited tour guides. (however, I'vebeen told we don't really have to be "official" to show up, anytime, andgive "shanghai" tours to the public.) So, I'm not quite there yet, but itlooks good so far.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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Also though I should mention this: the movie "Pearl Harbor" wasreleased today. It features two floating museums in Texas: the USSLexington (in Corpus Christi) was used to shoot Japanese aircraft carrierscenes, and some scenes were shot onboard the USS Texas.

Another note: Sunday night (27May), the History Channel will show"History vs. Hollywood: Pearl Harbor", comparing the new movie withthe actual historic records. It airs at 9pm EDT.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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Anxiety At Five Decks Down:

While crawling through the ship, the class was in the handling room forthe #1 turret. While there, I took a moment to ask everyone to stop &turn off their flashlights, and keep them off for as long as they couldstand it. While in total darkness, I started to recount the day PearlHarbor was attacked. "Imagine being in the handling room of theOklahoma, when she is hit by Japanese torpedoes. She "turns turtle"(capsizes), and plunges everything into darkness. The men in thehandling room scurry to close the watertight doors. One of them says tothe others, 'we have to get to the lucky bag.' How many here would liketo try that, in this darkness, with the ship upside-down,muffledexplosions, water rushing, steel groaning, men screaming, equipment &trash & bodies floating all around....", it was then that the first of theflashlights started to click back to brightness. I myself, noticed even Ihad started to perspire more.You (nor we) can ever know the full terror of that experience, andprobably wouldn't want to find out. But being in that handling room, indarkness, smelling the ship, gave us a chilling taste of the experience.When we take her to dry-dock I will definitely know where that luckybag is, and how to get there.

As for the rest of that day's class, we spent some time crawling throughthe #2 turret, seeing how powder & projectiles make it up to the mainguns. Wesley, a machinist volunteer, is constructing a working scalemodel of the turret/barbette/handling room design for the main guns.This would be much easier & safer than taking the public into (even areconditioned) a turret. They are very cramped, with lots of equipment,not much headroom, dangerous holes, and stifling still air. Wes has away to go on the model, but hopes to have it completed before theOctober reunion.Then , we later went through the handling rooms on our way to seesome storage areas, which were converted when they took out her fourtorpedo tubes in the 1925-27 refit. We also went down into the hold, tosee the emergency generator - seven decks down!! (this was beforethe demonsration in the handling room)This is the bottom of the ship:the floor is angled with the contour of her bow. If the ship were goingdown, some engineer had the dubious duty of coming all the way downhere to turn it on. If the ship were capsizing, then you would be closestto the hull, and may easily be rescued. But if the ship were sinking, andstayed close to it's normal orientation, you would be in the bottom. Nota great feeling.



All in all, it feels somewhat special being onboard her during theMemorial Day weekend. It makes us feel as if we are really serving thememories of those brave men, slipping away into history.

SpikeMike

[This message has been edited by Spike Mike (edited 29 May 2001).]

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Headed to the old girl tomorrow to check on the progress on a quickproject to improve safety while dressing the ship. We did not dress forMemorial Day for this reason.

If you go to the USS Texas Tour and look at the photo of the quarterdeck: 1st column (left); 6th shot down. In the lower left of the sgot is anexpanded-metal platform. During the Easter dress strike, JD & I werebattling some strong winds (25-3O mph or more!). Twice, these windssuddenly letup & came from the other direction. Luckily, JD was securedto the mainmast by his own personal safety harness, while I was okay inthe gun tub.

We are in the process of welding a pre-fabricated handrail around thisprecarious point. Ship's workers will assemble the rail onboard, and thenit will be hoisted up the mast & welded into place by JD, Wes, myself,and anyone else that can/ are willing to go up the main. You can alsosee that first ladder going up the main mast on the USS Texas tour:second column, sixth photo down.

SpikeMike-BB-35

[This message has been edited by Spike Mike (edited 31 May 2001).]

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It's me DisneyNreak. You may not know it but I am in love with thisstuff so keep it coming! I really enjoy it...type til your fingers go numb

------------------signing off....DisneyFreak96

"If we can dream it, we can do it."Horizons Attraction, WDW(1983-1999)

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Hey thanks Dis'. And yeah, I just noticed that trajic misspelling of yourname. Sorry about that. What the hell is wrong with me? "N" is nowherenear "F"! I'm the only one I know who can "typo" three keys away!!

Didn't make it to the ship tday. we had a day of rain, with somethundershowers, but I plan to try again tomorrow, when there's ony a3O% chance of rain.

SpikeMike

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posted 02 June 2001 10:27 PM

Finally made it to the ship today (Saturday) and nobody was there. Eventhe office was locked! But I wandered the main deck and found ChuckMoore working on restoring some shine to the ship's bell. So I helpedhim work on that for a couple of hours. Back tomorrow for more class.

SpikeMike

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You are a "good hand" Spike Mike!Thank you!!Good work will not be forgotten.Becca

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Sunday, on my way to the ship, I ran into the worst enemy of everybicycle rider.Rain.In the middle of nowhere, I saw it coming around the turn. It slammeddown on me for about five minutes, a hard dropping rain that stabs atyour arms. Nothing to do but continue on - nowhere to stop & no way toturn & outrun it. It stopped about a mile later, enough to soak me. Ohwell, some days you eat the bear & some days the bear eats you. Youstay out there long enough, he's bound to snack on you sometime.

Class was the usual; we talked about radar development (BB-35recieved the first commercial radar units in the Navy in 1939.) and maingunnery plotting & target aquisation. Later, we went & toured the ineriorcommunications room and the secondary battery & plotting room.Photos of these rooms are already posted o the USS Texas Tour.

I have plans to go to the ship on Wednesday, the 6th; the 57thanniversary of Normandy. I have a Texas flag that has flown over thestate capitol for a day. I've made arrangements with Barry to fly it overthe USS Texas for a day, also.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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posted 05 June 2001 11:10 AM

I will keep a candle lit for this..Normandy was/is a tough one for some!Love ya Brother,spike Mike...

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Well, I was going to go, but that was before we had a storm blow up inour face. I probably won't be able to make it, and will not fly the flag ona day with a great chance of rain.

SpikeMike

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At this time, I am cut off from the ship. The Lynchburg ferry is closeddue to high runoff waters from the week of rain. I don't know how longit will be closed, and don't haveany word on the ship's condition. Shestill (as far as I know) has that minor leaking problem, and rainfall hasbeen known to cause trouble in the past. I will just have to wait & see.

One other note about the Texas flag (I just learned this)- it flew over thestate capitol on August 27, 1991, exactly one year (to the day)afterStevie ray Vaughn was killed in a helicopter crash. Weirdness abounds.

SpikeMike

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Stranded...caught in the crossfire!S-Ray....IS!

I just spent 2 days ..in Homer, fishingwith my 'Ole pal Cleve....74 now...Hetook me, and a couple of my kin...out... halibut fishing, on his boat...(he lives on it during the summer)...Came back home..trip was cut short by illness.((NOT HIS)))

And , once again..I'm reminded..we should respect one another..and honour..these proud.... few .....remainingmen and women.......who gave so much!!And are STILL HERE...!!!This August..he will be 75..I'm gonna light every stinkin' candlein the state of Alaska!!...And makethe biggest mess of a birthday cake!!



No worries...(I've a fire extinguisher handy!!)For those on this forum...who don't know Cleve...I'll tell you this...

He joined the Navy at 17...and workedon the USS Platte. This is a fueler ship.

He fueled the battleships...and tankers..to keep them going...on through the war.Without fuel...No one could GO anywhere!!

I love the time I get to spend with him...STORIES!! Man!! He's gott'em!

He is a death defying ...true hearted warrior! ( I think...at times ...hejust loves me for my cookin'.)!!

He's passed me a bunch of photos...and his HAND written journal..!!!!

(I'm honoured...beyond words!!)I'm going to type them up..and send thephotos to the Dept. of Navy...and to theWebiste where BB-35 is...for posting.

He wants to know...if anyone who he served with..is still alive...and howto contact them....I have a chore!! Such a blessing!

FairBeccaLove to you all...andI'm real glad to be at home again!

Spike Mike!!{{{hugs!}}}

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That's great, FairBecca. I'm not sure if we could use the photos, but Ithink the Dept. of the Navy would want to take a look at them. Goodluck in your reunion search.

The Battleship Texas, and the San Jacinto Battleground State Park areofficially closed, due to high water around the Houston ShipChannel/San Jacinto River junction. No class tomorrow, and I have noidea when they will be open. Ed called me today, to let me know aboutthe class cancellation, and said the ship is okay, but may have somerunoff to pump out.

SpikeMike

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Hang in there my Brother!!Soon the water will have everythingcleaned up.The BB~35 has survived...much worse..and will ...continue to do so...!!

So will...you!

------------------FairBecca...Love and Warmthto you!!

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waiting.......waiting........waiting...Damn river! Don't make me get a boat!

SpikeMike*

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Do you look like a "prune" yet?How those tiny littlesausages holding out?Are they really considered...a "food"......or just a snack?

I like mine with Miracle Whip.! Mayo...(gag)....just dont get it!!

Just checking in...letting you know...My heart is with you ...and candles are still lit.Won't stop tillthe wheels fall off!!

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FAN-TASTIC FORUM









Posts: 6184From: a broken home - sumbitchcracked right down the middle!Registered: Jan 2001


Thanks, FairBecca. Latest word is that the river level may godown enough to allow the Lynchburg ferry to reopen & startrunning again, tomorrow around 7:OOam (CDT).

*cue*-"The Waiting Is The Hardest Part" by Tom Petty & theHeartbreakers

SpikeMike-BB-35

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Yes, good nooz! The ferry was re-opened early this morning,with both boats in service. That's a big difference when eachferry only holds 12 vehicles!

I did not make it, however, as I had stuff to do around here.(laundry, lawn care, set armadillo booby traps, etc.) I may tryto make it tomorrow, and of course, on Sunday ship'sfamiliarization classes will continue. Althoughnow we are aweek behind, and may not take our Docent Tour Guide testuntil June 30th.

And, coming soon - *Battle Stations 1944* - weekend of June23-24.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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Okay, I went ot the ship Friday, Sunday, and today. Today I diddeck watch: walking about, keeping an eye on things,answering questions, and helping the public in general. Fridaywas the first day I had been to the ship since the flooding. Shesuffered very minimal damage. Some of the old peeling paintgot knocked off by rain, and a little water leaked into theadmiral's cabin (our office & library) but did no damage to anyrecords. The gift shop was another story. A little aver a foot ofwater ruined the carpet & $25O worth of posters. I nthe shop isa bell, and the water left a faint mark. Storm pumps did startup & reduce the level of flooding. Without them, it would havebeen a total loss.

Sunday, tour guide class resumed. Ed took us around the shipto see the steering works. We saw the inside of the conningtower, an armored box (18 inches on sides; 23 inches on top)where a lot of the captain's commands were sent out to drive &steer the ship. This was the spot where she was hit by aGerman shell during her bombardment of Cherbourg, 57 yearsago on June 26, 1944. Then we went and saw the centralstation, an in-between point in steering functions. Should theconning tower be knocked out, the ship can still be controlledfrom here, inside the ship.

We will not have class this coming weekend, as we will be doing



Battle Stations 1944 - a weekend of activity onboard, withliving displays, recreations, special presentations, guided tours,and other goings-on of a battleship during the last years of thewar.

On July 1st, we will review what we've learned in class, andshould take our final test on July 8th.

SpikeMike

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Battle Stations 1944

What a weekend we had onboard! We had a great turnout bythe public and the re-enactors (more on Saturday), as well as agreat showing by the FTV. Hmmm, where do I start?

Gun Crew Drills: about twice an hour, demonstrations would begiven on how the individual 4Omm & 3-inch gun mounts wereserved by their crews. This was done by pulling volunteers fromthe public. They are dressed in flak jackets & helmets, andplaced in position on the guns and instructed how they wereoperated.

Small Arms Firing Demonstration: Three times a day, on thebow, were demos og the small arms weapons carried bysoldiers & Marines. (they were using blanks) Thanks to a localarms collector, Tom, (who brought his hardware out on his owntime) there were many: Springfield 19O3's. M-1 Garand, M-1carbine, two M-14's, (one was a sniper rifle) a Thompsonsub-machine gun, an M-3 "grease gun", an impressiveBrowning Automatic Rifle (BAR), a 30mm & a 61mm mortar(not fired), and (in my opinon, the best piece) "Ma Deuce"- theM-2 .5Ocal machine gun. That was the most impressive tohear!

Re-enactors: On Saturday, we had around 1OO re-enactors.These people come in, on their own time, just to play the part.And play it they did! One guy brought his own bucket & mop!In the ship's operating room, there was a full surgical team,performing (mock) surgeries. The sick bay was half full ofwounded troops, with nurses feeding them sandwiches. (nursesare not historically correct, but that was overlooked forpresentation) In the Marine's quarters were someGermanprisoners- in accurate uniforms & speaking fluentGerman, and acting the part. Visitors could talk to them, if theyspoke the language. And everywhere were soldiers & sailorsdoing what was done aboard ship. And there uniforms wereimmaculate: some of their gear actually came from the WWIItime period. These people love doing this stuff, and it shows.They were an important part of the show.

Some compartments that are usually closed were opened andoccupied by 'actors and some volunteers. The charthouse &pilothouse were staffed by FTV to explain the details to thepublic. Also opened was the crew head, in the stern of seconddeck. And of course, there are tours going on through all thisaction. On Saturday, there were even a couple of planes that



came by & buzzed us. One was a single-engine, Cessna-type,and the other was a beautiful bi-plane.

This was my first big event onboard, and I was not able toborrow a camera. (I still have most of the second deck, so fearnot, more pics will be coming eventually) I hope we can get theopportunity to do more. The next big re-enact event is Yuletide,which will depict a Naval warship near the holidays. And thereunion in October. I don't know what, if any events areflanned for 4th of July.

And Barry gave me some good news: he said the nametags forthe new members should be in sometime this coming week. Iguess that means they've decided to let me continue to serve.Also, JD & I are supposed to meet Friday to start working onthe rail around the mainmast platform that is used to dress theship. Due to that hazard, we have not dressed since JD's closecall during the Easter flag strike.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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Today was a special day in history for the USS Texas. 57 yearsago, she was struck twice by German guns while shellingCherbourg. The first struck the fire control station at the rear ofthe conning tower. This shot killed the elmsnam and woundedalmost all in the navigation bridge. The second shell landed inthe junior officer's quarters, two decks down in the half deck,but did not explode. You can see this shell on the FF USS TexasTour, or by clicking here.

Today, more objects fell from the sky on BB-35. A soft rain insunlight, with rolling thunder from the distance. It was as ifsomeone in heaven were shedding tears for her.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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Great reporting on the Event, Mike - makes it seem so real. TheOld Girl seems to get a lot of attention - and that makes wesmile and to be thankful there are those who still rememberand the younger ones learning to love the battleship - and allshe has meant to us all!

Carry On, Spike Mike!NAVD

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RainmakerBuccaneer

Posts: 61From:Registered: Jun 2001

posted 01 July 2001 05:47 PM

Greetings Spike Mike,

Maryals told me this was a site worth checking out and she wascertainly right about that. Lots of folks say they study history,but to do what you are doing is to step INTO History, andbecome a part of it. I am curious as to how you got startedwith the Texas? Are you ex USN, maybe a battleship person?

I note your mentioning of the movie Pearl Harbor, as filmedwith/on the Texas. Just where was the Texas on December 7,1941? Also, were any of the battleships in Pearl Harbor ofdreadnought vintage? I'll admit I could probably research thismyself but thought you might have the information at hand.

Also, could you elaborate on the definition of the Texas as "thelast dreadnought"? I know the word was given to a class ofwarship dating from 1907 to around the time of the first worldwar. And I remember the nature of the class had something todo with the peculiar ratio of ship size to armor to caliber ofheavy guns mounted, there being a tradeoff to speed vs. armorand guns. Again, I could probably research this but you mightknow it off the top of your head.

Speaking of dreadnoughts, have you read Robert K. Massie'sbook "Dreadnought"?

------------------Justice Is Coming

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posted 02 July 2001 02:52 AM

Well hello Rainmaker! Thanks for all your great questions. Yes,we do step into history, we just try not to step too far into it.During a class tour of the non-public-access (and withoutelectricity) parts of the ship, Ed asked JD what the fastest waywould be to get from the half deck to the first platform. Ianswered with the question, "fall?"

I am an ex-Army "gun bunny" & field mechanic on the 2OmmVulcan Air Defence gun. I tell everyone I switched sides. Now Iget really confused during the Army/Navy football game. Ihave been becoming more interested in BB-35 in the last fewyears when I went onboard (in 1997) and took an unauthorizedtrip below decks. (security was more lax then) I then found outabout their volunteer organization, but never made contactuntil last year.

On December 7th, 1941, the USS Texas was at Casco Bay,Maine, undergoing a R&R period after being on watch atArgentina, Newfoundland. She had been escorting convoysheaded for great Britian.

Yes, there were dreadnoughts at Pearl Harbor. The USSArizona, USS Oklahoma and the USS Nevada were allcommissioned in 1916. The word "dreadnought" means (inLatin) "ear nothing", and was coined after the Royal Navy ship,



HMS Dreadnought launched in 1906. They were warships with amain battery of homogenized guns (until then, battleshipscarried different sized guns), and were armored to withstandhits from the same caliber guns she carried. (BB-35 has14-inch guns, and was armored to defend against 14-inchguns) Also, the development of watertight compartments wasincluded in a design created for better survivability. Yourquestions were also very close to answering themselves;considerably more than the average person might know aboutthe subject. And no, I've not read Robert Massie's book, but willput it on my reading list.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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Hey Rainmaker, I came back after I remembered I left onequestion unanswered. The USS Texas is called the lastdreadnought- not because she was the last one built, butbecause she's the last WWI-era, dreadnought-style battleshipin the world (and the only suviving battleship to serve in bothWorld Wars). There is one older battleship, in Japan, but she isnot a dreadnought. All the others were scrapped, if not lostduring the war. She is 89 years old, and gets visitors from allover the world; I've met people from Great Britian, Holland,Germany, Australia, Japan, Turkey- we even had a Saudi princeonboard one day. Nothing special- they just showed up.

There are some other battleships on display across the country:the USS Missouri is, of course, at Pearl Harbor. The USS SouthCarolina & the USS Alabama are two more that I know of. Ithink someone mentioned to me (previously in this thread) thatthe USS New Jersey is being set up somewhere in her state.Unfortunately, because of the trajic explosion onboard in 1989,I don't think the USS Iowa will ever be displayed.

Of all 63 battleship hulls laid, (I think about 55 were actuallycompeted, launched & commisioned) only 8 remain; TheMissouri, Wisconsin, New Jersey & Iowa were the last four built(the Ohio class); the others were just lucky, especially the USSTexas. She was scheduled the be decomissioned & scrappedbefore 1939 (WWII & Pearl changed that), and afterdecomissioned in 1946, was again listed for scrapping, but wassaved by Admiral Chester Nimitz, (originally from Texas) andwas turned over to the state of Texas in 1948, after beingtowed to her present berth at the San Jacinto battleground.

And therin lies another personal tie: I had ancestors, on bothsides of my family, at the battle that won freedom for Texasfrom Mexico. (Greenleaf Fisk was a justice of the peace fromBrownsville, and after participating in the battle, stayed behindto help tend to the wounded, and may have assisted SamHouston, wounded in the main charge.) It really offers a specialfeeling when I ride my bike through the 'grounds around themonument.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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RainmakerBuccaneer



Greetings Spike Mike,

And thanks for all the information. When you referred to thenumbers fifty five and sixty three; the numbers ofdreadnoughts actually built, vs. the number commissioned, areyou refering strictly to those in the U.S? I know that Britain andGermany embarked on a naval race upon the completion of theprototype Dreadnought in 1906. Plus, I presume Japan, France,and maybe one or two other countries built a few. I'm thinkingthat made for more than five dozen battleships, for a time.

I went back and checked Massie's book. In it he lists the Britishand German builds. The book itself is a 900 plus page politicaland military history of the naval arms race between Britain andGermany from 1906 to 1914. It is quite a read. You'd probablyget more out of it that I did, given what you are now doing.

One thing the book did bring back to me was the battle cruiserconcept in which someone had the bright idea to sacrificearmor for speed and guns. Only, fast as the cruisers were, theycould not outrun German shells, as was demonstrated atJutland. I seem to remember the story being told that, uponwatching three or four of their battle cruisers sink, one Britishcaptain turned to another and understated "I say. There seemsto be something not right with our ships."


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Yes, Rainmaker, those numbers were for US Naval battleships.I don't have the info on numbers of British, German, orJapanese batleships.

Yes, battle cruisers were not really feasible for ship-to-shipcombat. Dreadnoughts were originally designed to get within 4or 5 miles of each other, and slam & punch shells into eachother. After the close of WWI, somebody figured out that ifshells were arced to their target, they could reach farther, andcome down on the top of the ship, rather than the side. Thiswould do more damage, as they found out at the battle ofJutland. This encouraged the 1931 rebuild onboard BB-35 toinstall 4-inch thick plates on the second deck.

SpikeMike-BB-35

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RainmakerBuccaneer



Greeting Spike Mike,

I did a quick count in Massie's book and got a count of 32British dreadnoughts and 21 German ones, including two thatthe Germans launched but never completed. Massie only coversup to the year 1914, presumably in terms of when constructionwas started. Do you happen to know when the finaldreadnought was built?

Another book for your reading list, if you've not already read it,is "A Glimpse of Hell" by Charles C. Thompson. It is a prettyrevealing report ot the explosion aboard the Iowa.

Hope you had a nice 4th. Did you get to shoot the big guns?


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No, the 14-inchers don't work, and plus the state won't let us.But I did get to bust some Class C artillery shells around theneighborhood.

i saw the movie presentation on FX Chanel recently of 'AGlimpse Of Hell'. It was rather good.

Sorry, I'm not sure about the dreadnought constructionquestion- I'll ask Ed this weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to helpdo some work onboard. We will be clearing stuff out of theammunition passes on third deck, and later, brushing old,flaked paint off the ceilings in the #3 handling room. Plans areunderway to open this up for the October reunion. And then onSunday is the docent tour guide test day. Big weekend.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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Got a little more info for you Rainmaker: the Americandreadnought-style ships were built proir to 1922. This was dueto the Washington Arms Limitations Treaty; many warshipsunder construction were cancelled & their hulls scrapped. TheUSS Texas was assigned the task of sinking (ironically) the USSWashington, about 75% complete.

Saturday was a work day aboard BB-35. Down on third deck,we cleared objects left in the ammo passes, then gave them agood sweeping. And I mean sweeping. We wore respirators aswe raised a cloud of decades-old rust, dust & dirt. My job(being the skinny guy with long reach) was to sweep under thestairs inside the security gates, under the watertight hatch. Amound of dirt came out from under those; years of sailors &restorers going across them now out of the way. I was also



kind of in charge of telling the peering public they may notwant to stay too long, due to the brown cloud.

Next we moved well over 1OO cot frames into a port casemate,to clear some space for workers to bring in more second deckcasemate air conditioning. I stepped in & took the task oftaking them from the 'mate hatch & stacking them inside. Theyare pipe frames, originally containing cot bed wiring, or canvastied with rope. They are mostly aluminum, but about 15-2O%were steel. Much heavier, and more cumbersome inside thecasemate. But I stuck it out & we got the job done. After thatwe decided that was enough for the day, and would try totackle the #3 handling room another day.

And one more note: I was informed by Don that I,unfortunately, would not be allowed to conduct guided tours asa Docent, because of the length of my hair. TPWD asks that allDocents & official representatives of the ship have a "militarylook". He did assure me that this, in no way, means they don'twant me as a volunteer - quite the opposite: he said he wasimpressed by my motivation & willingness to help get thingsdone. I could tell there was some aprehension to tell me, anddid let him know I was disappointed that it took almost tenweeks, but assured him that it would not be taken personally -it's happened before. And with opportunity comes limitations,and some limitations lead to other opportunities. So, onward &upward. I have never thought of honorary ranks & titles asimportant anyway: it's the work, and its end results, thatmatters. I'm not really here to make myself look better, but tomake BB-35 look better, for years to come.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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GwenSwashbuckler

Posts: 696From: ArizonaRegistered: Oct 2000


Mike, the losers here are the people who will visit the old lady.You love her so much and that would have shown in the toursyou conducted. Well, you're our docent and we love hearingabout your adventures on the ship. It seems hypocritical tough,that you are allowed to bust yout butt behind the scenes, butnot give tours. That sucks big time. Oh, well....here, want tosplit my Hershey bar?? Have to eat 'em quick before they melt

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daboodaddyBuccaneer

Posts: 743From: The Sovereign Nation ofNo PlacesRegistered: Dec 2000


SpikeMike: Many of the best and brightest are passed oversimply because of such trivial issues which do not affect jobperformance one iota, such as hair length, tattoos, piercings,age and failing the test for "Herbie". Their loss, NOT yours.

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LindaBuccaneer

Posts: 2497From: The Ocean StateRegistered: Jun 2001


It's still a bum rap...........

It's also THEIR loss!!!

Come on, we'll all chip in and buy our SpikeMike a couple ofcold, frosty brews......

------------------Linda in R.I.C.M.O.

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LindaBuccaneer

Posts: 2497From: The Ocean StateRegistered: Jun 2001


~~~~~~~Hershey bars and beer Spike!~~~~~~~~~~

How can ya stay sad with THAT combo??!!

------------------Linda in R.I.C.M.O.

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oh yeah, wait 'til I show 'em the tattoos!

...and the results are in! SpikeMike passed the USS Texas'Docent written (closed book) test with a score of 77.8%; andthe third highest in his class! (of seven, but hey...third is third!)So, their loss is my gain. And it frees up my time to do otherthings, and not be tied down to a schedule. And I did thatwithout catching the last class, which was a review prep for thetest.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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And thank you Gwen, daboodaddy, Linda and even JohnnyVW &JT_42O (over in RR) for your sympathetic posts. But life goeson, and bitching about the little things you can't do can get inthe way of the big things you can do.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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daboodaddyBuccaneer

Posts: 743From: The Sovereign Nation ofNo PlacesRegistered: Dec 2000


Bitching even if about something you can do nothing about is athereputic release. It is necessary for closure in an undesirablesituation, therefore its better than not bitching and holding it in(which CAN cause physical illness.) Obsessing about what-ifs isas bad as holding it in. You have a healthy attitude, bro.

------------------Question EVERYTHING, even your OWN thoughts.A "Daboodaddyism"

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Posts: 1204From: Ladner Village, CanadaRegistered: May 2000


quote:

Originally posted by daboodaddy:Bitching even if about something you can donothing about is a thereputic release. It isnecessary for closure in an undesirablesituation, therefore its better than notbitching and holding it in (which CAN causephysical illness.) Obsessing about what-ifs isas bad as holding it in. You have a healthyattitude, bro.

I agree, daboo, that bitchin' is a release..... but it seems, lately,that a lot of the crew is bitchin' because it's KEWL....

...so for gosh sakes, hold yer head up, put a smile on yer kisserand hug the world... and BB~35.

Much Love to SpikeMike... the work he's doin' is magnificent B

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Thank you Brenda, and again daboodaddy. and it's still reallynot a big deal. I'll still be around to do lots of kewl stuff.

Tomorrow is the second of four quarterly meetings of the FirstTexas Volunteers. Attendance is not mandatory, but it helps. Ihappen to know (because we saw it last week) that Ed (orDennis) will be showing the final version of a videodocumentary about the USS Texas, filmed onboard andfeaturing some great archive footage. this show will be pitchedto the History Channel, Discovery Channel, PBS, etc. by thosewho made it. I really hope HC picks it up: it's right up theiralley.

Speaking of History Chanel & battleships; Sunday night(15July) at (I think) 9pm Eastern & Pacific, HC will show "BattleGroup Halsey", covering the Pacific fighting of WWII. Then onTuesday (17July) at 8pm Eastern & Pacific, HC will present



"Battleships". I don'tknow what that one covers: I wouldassume, from the title, ships with large guns.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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I caught the History channel's show 'Battleships' on the 17th; Ialso found out this is a running series this week, with showstonight (the 18th) and tomorrow (the 19th). The first showwent all the way back to the early-mid 18OO's, when the largesailed gunships were the rulers of the sealanes. They are theancestors of the modern battleships, with their development ofmany decks carrying several guns per deck. They showed somegreat video of "The great Britan", a wooden, sail-poweredvessel.Also shown was the HMS Victorious, and Japan's (British-built)Masagi, the oldest true battleship (but not a dreadnought) inthe world.

In tonight's episode, they focused on the dreadnoughts of theturn of the century, with some great shots of the HMSDreadnought, the one that coined the name. They also gavesome details of the race, by germany & Britan, to build themost dreadnought-class ships. There was also details of thebattle of Jutland in WWI. (Rainmaker, it was the Royal Navy'sAdmiral Beaty that said, "There seeems to be something bloodywrong with our ships today", after losing two of six battlecruisers.)

Tonight, the 19th, at 8pm and12mid Eastern & Pacific (sorryDisneyFreak), they will feature the battleships preparing forWorld War II. So far I've seen no shots of BB-35, and don'treally expect any. I hope HC will pick up the recently made45-minute documentary made by a local production company.We sell copies in the gift shop.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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posted 04 August 2001 12:43 PM

Spike Mike is going out to the BB~35 today...Maybe he will have a report!

I continue to be curious as to how much of the ship has beenrestored, does the USN pay for any of the restoration?, whonow actually 'owns' the USS TEXAS?, when is the yearlyre-union coming up? - is Spike Mike going to remember to askwhat the 'little red box' in the mystery photo is???

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posted 05 August 2001 11:01 PM

Sorry Linnea, but due to some minor leg pain I didn't make it to theship. But I can answer some of those questions;

The USS Texas is owned by the Battleship Texas Foundation, whooversee the historic/museum aspects. The restoration is paid for by thestate of Texas, through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.Onlt about 15 to 2O% of the ship is fully restored. Unfortunately, thereis no way to restore her to 1OO%: too much has been lost over the past53 years since she was moved to the San Jacinto battleground.The ship's crew reunion, along with the crew of BB-34, the USS NewYork, will be the first weekend in October (6-7th). And yes, I willremember the red box in the handling room. There are plans in theworks to open up some non-access portions of the ship, including theammo passes (allowing access to the main radio station) and the #3turret handling room.

SpikeMike~BB-35

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posted 28 August 2001 07:35 AM

This has nothing to do with the ship, but I thought about it all dayyesterday, right up until RR time & then forgot. Yesterday was the 1Othanniversary of the death of Texas blues guitar legend Stevie RayVaughn, when he & many members of Eric Clapton's entourage died in ahelicopter crash. I did not fly the Texas flag (that flew over the capitolon the 1st anniversary of his death) because of rain. Heaven cried onmost of Texas yesterday; especially Stevie's hometown of Austin. Youokay Poptart8?

*cue*- "The Sky Is Cryin'" by Stevie Ray VaughnSpikeMike*

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MinionPirate

Posts: 8From: Iss StreakRegistered: Sep 2001

posted 04 September 2001 07:41 PM

Is this a role playing sorta game or what?

------------------It's a great travesty when books burn.

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DreadnoughtPirate

Posts: 12From: restrictedinformationRegistered: Sep 2001

posted 06 September 2001 12:19 AM

Guess who?

Yes Minion, it is if you plan it right.

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posted 06 September 2001 01:08 AM

Synchro....!!!

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I think I can freely speak for all those at the USS Texas when I say thatthe entire crew is appalled by the actions of last week's cowardly anddiabolical terrorist attacks. BB-34, the USS New York was the sister shipof BB-35; they were almost identical. Even though named after the stateand not New York City in particular, BB-35 went to Puget Sound manytimes for repairs and recounstructive changes.

The USS Texas floats as a reminder that freedom is not free. At somepoint, someone must go to work and pay for it. BB-35 has fought herbattles, and will watch this one from the moorings. And in her heart shecries with America.

It would appear, that every 4O to 6O years, the world may have tocome together to rid the indignant from the world. BB-35 helped chaseaway the last big jackal. Now we must flush out the cockroaches.Admiral Yamamot said, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, "I fear we haveawakened a sleeping giant, and filled him with nothing but terribleresolve." This time the giant has had water thrown on him, whilesnoring, and has bolted upright with nothing but tempered steelvengeance.

And I, a life-long Texan, am proud this, and any other day, to say......I love New York.

Spike MikeBB-35NADV

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posted 21 October 2001 03:21 AM

October 6, 2OO1 - USS Texas Veteran's Reunion

The day was cool with grey overcast skies. The on & off rain showeers ofthe week had stopped, and gave us a day to welcome those men whoserved. A tailwind out of the north, and a black leather jacket (less windresistance) led me to kick Horse to a new record time of 17:35 for the4.2 mile ride. It was a bit chilly at first, but by the time I had reachedthe Lynchburg ferry I was ready to take off my gloves.

As I rode the 12-car boat across the San Jacinto river/Houston shipchannel, I could see her clearly against the leaden sky. She was fullydressed, her signal flags standing brightly against the neutral clouds. Ilocked up Horse and quickly walked aboard, turning aft at the gangplankto head down to second deck, where my locker is on the #5 turretbarbette. I hung my backback on a hook and pulled the gear I wouldneed for the day: flashlight, night vision goggles, blacklight, radio, andsix chemical lightsticks, (a gift from FF ship's captains, Linnea &revisedcode: thanks again! ) They're hard, but flexible plastic tubes,with fluid inside. When bent, a glass vail cracks open, and the chemicalsmix, resulting in a bright green glow. These would prove to be usefullater.

I went to the office to sign in, then went strolling about, meeting othermembers of the First Texas Volunteers. It was just after noon, and a fewof the vets were finishing up the meal served out of the galley. I wentbelow to second deck and headed aft towards the cafeteria (below the



galley). There, Ed was guiding a tour for a French consulate group, whohad a number of Frech veterans who served aboard BB-35 during theNormandy invasion. To honor them, the French tricolor was flown for theday, from the port halyard on the main mast. I shook Ed's hand andreturned his smile-faced greeting. When Ed smiles at you, you can see awealth of stories, knowledge, and lore of this old ship, and many likeher. He is a treasure in his own right. I put one of the unwrappedlightsticks in his hand and said, "here's an alternative to extra batterieswhen you go below decks." He was puzzled, but soon realized what thehell it was when I started to explain it to him.

I left Ed to continue his tour, and went roaming aft. I went below decksto third deck near the engine room hatch, and crossed to the starboardside to the machinist shop. There I found a vet named "Paddy", who wastrying to remember where the sick bay was, to show his wife. They sawmy nametag, and before they could ask, I said I could show them theway if they would follow me. Up one deck and aft, past the movie locker,the executive officer's office, the pharmacy, dispensary, and into theoperating room (open and stocked with display, for public access).Paddy related a story of how he and some buddies had stolen a case ofeggs and actually fried them on the deck while in the Pacific during1945. As it turns out, they all contracted meningitis, and had to spend afew days in sick bay. He, and other vets, had lots of small details topoint out as to how things were situated, what equipment was where,how procedures worked, and more. They were able to tell us that thesick bay had air conditioning installed after returning from France.

And while standing in the operating room, Paddy pointed to theoperating table and asked me, "would you believe we used to throw diceon that table?" I asked him, "would you like to try it again, for old time'ssake?" and produced a pair of red casino gift-shop souvenier dice. Hisface lit up, and he took the dice and tossed them at the table. Theyclattered to a stop, and incredibly, they showed up a "3" & "5"! We bothlet out a holler, and Paddy's wife looked in the door from sick bay to seewhat the commotion was about. She thought we'd knocked somethingover.

I left sick bay and went back down to third deck, continuing forward tothe ammo passage. This is the restricted part of the ship, and I wantedto see if any groups needed assistance in getting around in the darkpassages. I passed the radio room, full of people, and went belowamidships to 1st platfrom, into the ships communication's room. There Ifound Chuck Moore, guiding a group of vets from the nuclear-poweredmissle cruiser, CG-53. She was recently scrapped, and her veterans nowcall the USS Texas their memorial meeting place. We are proud to havethem, and may draw a few volunteers from their ranks. Chuck guidedthem down to 2nd platform to the secondary battery & fire control room.There, I used the blacklight to charge the phosphorus-coated tube in theold radar unit. It glowed bright green in the dim light, to the amusementof many. At this point, Chuck said he had to go make some photocopies,and said I could take those, who wanted to go, to see the electricalrooms on the half deck & ist platform. I warned all who were up to thechallenge that we would be going through the unpowered parts of theship, and it could be treacherous. Luckily, most had some type offlashlight; mostly the "mini-mag" type, but better than nothing. ThreeCG-53 vets said they would take the venture, and off we went. As wedescended, I took them past the Widowmaker: a precariously dangeroushatch to 1st platfrom, with a large chunk of interrupted handling rail inthe way, waitng to conk the careless in the cranium. When on theladder, don't look down: the hatch below is open, as well as the onebelow that. It goes striaght down to the hold. To aid our descent, I



pulled a lightstick, cracked & shook it to stir the light, and tossed itdown into the area we would go. This took my guests by pleasantsuprise, and made the journey much easier. As we continued into thehandling room, I snapped two more so we could explore the intricatemechanism once used to move powder & shells through the ship. (as weprogressed, I would retrieve the lightsticks adn continue to "leap frog"them, constantly lighting our way as we went) We took a ladder up intothe junior officer's quarters, then up to the senior officer's quarters andexplored there. I was tour guiding at last!

Eventually we grew a bit tired and wanted some fresh air, so I led themout. However, as we went back down the ammo pass. one of themasked about the open hatch leading down to the #2 boiler room, andasked if we could go down there. I said we could, as there weretemporary lights strung up for the event. So I took him on quick tour ofthe boilers and answered his questions to the best of my memory. Theroom is in bad shape, but still complete enough to be mostly restored.In many places, the old pipes are covered with a white plaster-likecoating. I explained to him that the pipes were originally covered withasbestos. It was decided, some time ago, that all asbestos onboard (andthere is quite a bit of it) would be abated; covered with an inert sealer,as opposed to attempting removal, which would be more expensive,man-power intensive, and a health hazard to the touring public as wellas the crew & volunteers.

...more later....SpikeMike

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Great Tour, Spike Mike!Looking forward to the next installment!Hooray for BB~35!

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Geez - where's our crew?Don't see too many mates posting these days -

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posted 23 October 2001 08:12 PM

thx for sharing Spike. I love each and every update (just cos I don'treply doesn't mean I dont' read)

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posted 08 December 2001 12:05 AM

A couple of things I forgot to mention in the Vet's Reunion report;

Wesley Grace, one of our volunteers, is also a talented machinist. Heunveiled his scale model cutaway of the turret/barbette/handling roomset-up. Every detail was complete, and by that I mean things like thechains on the telegraphs: some of the tiniest links I've ever seen. It istruly a work of art, and gives visitors a feel of what lies below the decks.

When we struck the dress flags, I was part of the foremast crew thistime. A much better view, with less work.

Also, some dry-dock news: Proposition 8 passed, in the recent stateelection, so if enough bonds are sold, the money will be available for herupcoming trip. However, the date has been reset to sometime in2OO4-5, instead of late 2OO3. I hope she holds together until then.

And the First Texas Volunteers annual banquet will be coming up inJanuary, and will be held at the Monument Inn, a seafood restarauntdown the road next to the Lynchburg Ferry. Should be fun to get ourgrub on; they've got an all-you-can-eat dinner where you sit down to amountain of seafood. And, if required, it will keep coming as long as youare conscious.

Spikemike~BB-35

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deeremomSwashbuckler

Posts: 2017From: Very SmallTown, TexasRegistered: Oct 2000

posted 08 December 2001 02:14 PM

Spike Mike,

Heard a radio add from San Antonio soliciting donations for the$12,000,000 repair to the hull of the USS Texas but didn't catch theaddress. Apparently this is an urgent repair?

Please post the address and I will send a few $$.

Pat

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deeremom, the monies will be raised by the sale of state bonds. Formore information, go to www.proposition8.org

Unfortunately, it gives no information on the sale of the bonds, otherthat the fact that they will most likely be sold. If I remember correctly,there will be a total of $85O million raised for improvement to Texasparks & wildlife areas. Thewe are listed in better detail at the abovewebsite.

And thanks to the voters of the state of Texas for passing Prop. 8.

SpikeMike

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deeremomSwashbuckler

Posts: 2017From: Very SmallTown, TexasRegistered: Oct 2000


Thanks, Spike Mike. I'll check the site

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