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Close-up. Pan right to left of USS TEXAS underway off Normandy.
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Long shot of battleship firing guns off Normandy. Projectiles hitting targets ashore.
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Medium shot view of USS TEXAS from astern
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Initials


NOTE TO EDITORS: Please credit Department of Defense in title or commentary.

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Background: SCOPE: This coverage is of the USS TEXAS underway and firing its guns off the coast of Normandy, France, during World War II.

BACKGROUND: The first ship named for the state of Texas was originally a Confederate ironclad which was seized by Union forces in 1965. The ship was then taken to the Norfolk Navy Yard and sold in 1867.

The first ship to be named the USS TEXAS which saw service in the U.S. Navy, was also the Navy's first battleship. Launched at the Norfolk Navy Yard in 1889, she was in service during the, Spanish American War and Later served as station ship at Charleston. In 1911, she was decommissioned and renamed the San Macros only to be sunk as a target for gunfire practice.

The second USS TEXAS, built by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, was commissioned in 1914. She served in European waters during World War I and was present at the surrender of the German Imperial High Seas Fleet. During World War II she was part of the Normandy invasion. After the USS TEXAS left European waters, she steamed to the Pacific to fight the Japanese. The USS TEXAS was decommissioned after the war and moved to San Jacinto Battlegrounds, Texas, where she remains today as a memorial.

On August 9, 1975, at 11:00 a.m., the third ship to be named the USS TEXAS will be launched at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia. This ship will be equipped with the most advanced antiaircraft, guided missile, anti-submarine and electronic warfare systems. It is propelled by nuclear energy and will have at least ten years of normal operations before refuelling is required. It has the capability to land, service, hangar and launch helicopters. It is the second ship of the Virginia class cruiser. It will be able to accommodate a crew of 497, is 585 feet long, and can travel over 30 knots.