History Channel - History Classics Hero Ships (2008) Part 12 USS Texas

History Classics: Hero Ships

For nearly a hundred years, these steel, grey-skinned battlewagons have fought off everything from Al Qaeda to dive-bombing Kamikazes. Some returned from the hell of war to become major tourist attractions for new generations. Others continue to patrol the world's trouble-spots in America's latest war. History Classics: Hero Ships profiles the complete combat history and evolving technology of a single American ship, often through multiple conflicts. These are the battleships, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and specialized ships that belong in the warship hall of fame. Archival footage and interviews are punctuated by all-access inspections of the ship's “battle stations,” conducted by young, active Navy sailors. The series lets us understand the role of each weapon and technology, the dramas that unfolded in different rooms during the heat of battle, and the unique traditions and stories of each vessel.

Part 12: USS Texas

Considered the most powerful warship afloat because of her ten 14“/45 guns in five twin turrets, The USS Texas was commissioned in March of 1914 and proceeded almost immediately to Mexican waters where she joined the Special Service Squadron following the “Vera Cruz Incident.” She returned to Atlantic Fleet operations in the fall of 1914, after the Mexican crisis was resolved. In 1916 Texas became the first U.S. battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns and the first to control gunfire with directors and range-keepers, forerunners of today's computers. After the U.S. entered World War I, she spent 1917 training gun crews for merchant ships that were often attacked by gunfire from surfaced submarines. Texas joined the 6th Battle Squadron of the British Grand Fleet early in 1918, operating out of Scapa Flow and the Firth of Forth. Later in 1918 she guarded the German Fleet en route to its surrender anchorage and escorted President Wilson to peace talks in France.