How Many Ships Did The Uss Texas Sink?
The USS Texas earned fame as the oldest surviving dreadnought battleship in the world. This historic warship saw action in both World Wars and had an impressive record of service. But exactly how many ships did the USS Texas manage to sink throughout its career?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The USS Texas is officially credited with sinking one ship – the German U-boat U-64 on September 18, 1942.
In this in-depth article, we’ll review the full combat history of the USS Texas, provide details on the sinking of U-64, look at its near misses and probable kills, and examine why its record is limited to just one official ship sinking.
The USS Texas in World War I
The USS Texas, a battleship of the United States Navy, played a significant role during World War I. Commissioned in 1914, the USS Texas was one of the first American battleships to be equipped with oil-fired boilers, which increased its range and efficiency compared to coal-fired ships.
It was also the first battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, reflecting the changing nature of naval warfare during this period.
Deploying to Europe
When the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the USS Texas was sent to Europe as part of the American Expeditionary Force. Its primary mission was to provide support to British and French forces and to help protect merchant ships from German U-boat attacks in the North Atlantic.
The USS Texas participated in numerous escort missions, convoy operations, and training exercises throughout the war.
During its deployment, the USS Texas also had the honor of transporting President Woodrow Wilson to Europe for the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. This marked the first time a sitting U.S. President had traveled overseas on a battleship, highlighting the significance of the USS Texas in both military and diplomatic contexts.
No Confirmed Kills
Despite its active role in World War I, the USS Texas did not have any confirmed kills of enemy ships. This was primarily due to the lack of direct engagements with German naval forces. The U.S. Navy’s focus during the war was on convoy protection and support rather than direct combat with enemy warships.
However, it’s important to note that the USS Texas did contribute to the overall Allied victory in World War I. Its presence and deterrence value played a significant role in keeping German U-boats at bay and ensuring the safe passage of vital supplies and troops across the Atlantic.
For more information about the USS Texas in World War I, you can visit the official website of the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.
World War II Service
The USS Texas, a battleship of the United States Navy, played a significant role in World War II. It participated in numerous missions and engagements during the war, showcasing its might and power. The ship’s service during this period is a testament to its importance in the Allied efforts to secure victory.
Convoy Escort Duty
One of the crucial roles that the USS Texas performed during World War II was escorting convoys across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean. These convoys consisted of merchant ships carrying essential supplies and troops to various destinations.
The USS Texas, along with other naval vessels, provided protection against German U-boats that posed a constant threat to these convoys.
The convoy escort duty was a challenging task as the U-boats employed stealth and surprise to attack the vulnerable merchant ships. The USS Texas played a crucial role in detecting and engaging these submarines, ensuring the safe passage of the convoys.
Its advanced sonar systems and powerful armament made it a formidable adversary for the U-boats, saving countless lives and valuable resources.
The Sinking of U-64
One notable event in the USS Texas’ World War II service was the sinking of U-64, a German submarine. On May 8, 1944, the USS Texas detected the presence of U-64 in the waters of the English Channel. A well-coordinated attack was launched, involving depth charges and gunfire.
The U-64 was ultimately sunk, marking a significant victory for the USS Texas and the Allied forces.
This engagement showcased the effectiveness of the USS Texas’ crew and its advanced warfare capabilities. The sinking of U-64 added to the ship’s impressive record and further solidified its reputation as a formidable battleship.
To learn more about the USS Texas’ World War II service and its contributions to the Allied victory, visit www.navyhistory.org. The website provides detailed information about the ship’s missions, engagements, and its overall impact during the war.
Near Misses and Probable Kills
Throughout its service history, the USS Texas had numerous encounters where it came close to sinking enemy ships. Let’s take a look at two notable incidents that exemplify the ship’s combat prowess.
Damaging Attack on Vichy French Battleship
During World War II, the USS Texas participated in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. On November 8, 1942, while supporting the landing at Casablanca, the ship engaged the French battleship Jean Bart, which was under Vichy French control.
In a daring move, the USS Texas fired a total of 20 salvos at the Jean Bart, scoring several direct hits. The French battleship was left severely damaged, with its guns and turrets rendered inoperable.
Although the Jean Bart did not sink, it was effectively neutralized and unable to participate in further hostilities. This engagement showcased the accuracy and firepower of the USS Texas.
Torpedo Attack on U-507
In another notable incident, the USS Texas successfully defended itself against a German U-boat attack. On February 22, 1943, while escorting a convoy off the coast of French Guiana, the ship detected the presence of U-507.
The U-boat launched torpedoes towards the USS Texas, but the skillful maneuvering of the ship’s crew allowed it to evade the deadly projectiles. In a swift counterattack, the USS Texas fired on the U-507, scoring a direct hit and sinking the enemy submarine.
This engagement demonstrated the USS Texas’ ability to not only defend itself but also effectively engage and eliminate enemy threats.
These near misses and probable kills highlight the USS Texas’ significant contributions to the Allied cause during World War II. The ship’s firepower, accuracy, and resilience played a crucial role in defending against enemy forces and ensuring the success of important operations.
The USS Texas remains a symbol of American naval strength and valor.
Reasons for the Limited Record
The USS Texas, a battleship that served in both World Wars, has a remarkable history. However, when it comes to the number of ships it sank, the record is surprisingly limited. There are several reasons for this, including technological factors and the circumstances of its deployment.
Technological Factors
One of the main reasons for the limited record of ships sunk by the USS Texas is the technological limitations of the time. The USS Texas was commissioned in 1914, during a period when naval warfare was transitioning from traditional battleships to more advanced technologies such as submarines and aircraft carriers.
As a result, the USS Texas did not have as many opportunities to engage enemy ships directly.
The advancements in submarine technology, for example, made it easier for enemy vessels to evade detection and engage in hit-and-run tactics. Additionally, the introduction of aircraft carriers allowed for long-range aerial attacks, making it more difficult for battleships like the USS Texas to engage in direct combat.
Circumstances of Deployment
Another factor that contributed to the limited record of ships sunk by the USS Texas is the circumstances of its deployment. During World War I, the USS Texas primarily operated in the Atlantic Ocean, where it played a crucial role in escorting convoys and providing naval gunfire support during amphibious operations.
However, it did not engage in many direct naval battles, as the German Navy preferred to avoid confrontation with the powerful battleship. Instead, the USS Texas often served as a deterrent, its mere presence enough to deter enemy vessels from engaging in combat.
This, combined with its role in convoy protection, limited the number of enemy ships it had the opportunity to sink.
It is important to note that while the USS Texas may not have a lengthy list of ships sunk, its significance in naval history goes beyond mere numbers. The battleship played a vital role in both world wars, serving as a symbol of American naval power and contributing to the overall success of Allied operations.
Its impact cannot be measured solely by the number of ships it sank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the USS Texas achieved just one confirmed ship sinking in WWII against U-64, it played an important role in convoy escort duties and had several near miss encounters.
Considering its age and limitations, the ship served admirably, though circumstances prevented it from racking up a more impressive combat record. The USS Texas remains one of the most historic battleships of the 20th century.
