Honoring the Navy's Legacy at Normandy
Two esteemed Texas-based non-profit organizations, the Battleship Texas Foundation and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), will jointly commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy, commonly known as D-Day, which took place on June 6, 1944, by sending historic artifacts of Battleship Texas on a present-day mission to Normandy. This summer, the CAF will dispatch aircraft to Europe to partake in commemorative events, paying homage to the significance of this pivotal moment in history.
In collaboration, the CAF has requested Battleship Texas to provide significant artifacts that will be flown aboard Ready 4 Duty for the voyage, including a roller bearing and a steel 1945 silhouette figurine of Battleship Texas.
The R4D Ready 4 Duty will no longer be flying over Galveston on April 27 due to the weather forecast. A new date is TBD.
This steel 1945 silhouette of Battleship Texas was once a part of the ship’s torpedo blisters. Inscribed into each piece is the ship’s hull number throughout her service career. An official certificate of authenticity will be included. Cut by Great Western Metals in Houston, Texas.
This 5-in. 51 cal. Gun Roller Bearing was used as a part of the mechanism to turn and aim one of the Battleship Texas' 5-inch anti-aircraft guns during battle.
