Battleship Texas Receives $225,000 Donation

In June 2024, it was announced that McCoy’s had donated $225,000 to the “Bring Her Home” Restoration Campaign supporting Battleship Texas, the only surviving U.S. naval ship to have served in both world wars.

Honoring Battleship Texas

In a press release, Tony Gregory, CEO of the Battleship Texas Foundation, said "McCoy's has answered the call, guiding us toward our shared restoration goals. We are immensely grateful for McCoy's bold leadership and unwavering support to bring the Battleship Texas one step closer to her rightful place as a living testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who served her.”

The Battleship Texas Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Battleship Texas, which witnessed some of the most historic moments of the early 20th century during her 35-year commission. Battleship Texas sailed with the Grand Fleet after the armistice on November 11, 1918, and she carried President Calvin Coolidge to the Pan-American Conference in Havana, Cuba in 1928. Battleship Texas supported the landings of the Army Rangers at Pointe du Hoc and the landings at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944, and her crew members witnessed the raising of the flag by Marines at Iwo Jima in 1945. The foundation seeks to provide the resources to maintain and restore the ship, educate the public about her unique history, and honor those who served aboard her.

Deep Roots in Texas

“As a Texas-based company with roots in Galveston, we are honored to stand with the Battleship Texas Foundation in this noble endeavor. Our contribution reflects the shared values of service and sacrifice that unite McCoy's customers with the brave sailors who served aboard the Battleship Texas,” said Reid McCoy, Board Vice Chair of McCoy's Building Supply and U.S. Navy Veteran.

Battleship Texas is currently moored at Gulf Copper Shipyard in Galveston as her extensive restoration continues. Some of the most recent improvements to the ship include removal and replacement of its deck, painting the topsides and additional steel work. A tentative timeline aims for Battleship Texas to open for touring in late 2025 or 2026.