Texas Clipper

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USTS Texas Clipper awaiting disposal at South Padre Island, Texas, November 2006
Career (USA) United States Navy ensign
Name: USTS Texas Clipper
Namesake: A clipper ship
Builder: Bethlehem Steel
Laid down: 2 March 1944
Launched: 12 September 1944
Christened: USS Queens (APA-103)
Acquired: 1965
Renamed: Excambion, USTS Texas Clipper
Fate: Sunk as an artificial reef off Texas, 17 November 2007
General characteristics
Displacement: 7,970 tons (lt), 13,143 t. (fl)
Length: 473 ft 1 in
Beam: 66 ft
Draft: 25 ft
Propulsion: Bethlehem geared turbine drive, 2 x Babcock and Wilcox header-type boilers, single propeller, designed shaft horsepower 8,000
Speed: 17 knots
Notes: MCV Hull No. 1677, hull type C3-S-A3

USTS Texas Clipper was a former World War II attack transport (USS Queens) which was converted into a trans-atlantic cruise ship (SS Excambion) in 1948 and then a merchant marine training ship (TS Texas Clipper) in 1965. The ship served as a training ship for 30 years as part of the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston. It was given the name Texas Clipper because the rounded stern was reminiscent of old clipper ships. In 2006, it was transferred to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Artificial Reef Program to be turned into an artificial reef. This transfer saved the ship from being turned into scrap.

The Texas Clipper was prepared to be an artificial reef, docked at the Port of Brownsville for cleaning of hazardous materials and modifications for wildlife and diver safety. The conversion, cleanup and sinking cost over 4 million dollars. The Texas Clipper was sunk on November 17, 2007, approximately 17 nautical miles (31 km) Northeast of South Padre Island, TX. It was placed in 132 feet of water. The top of the ship has reached depths as shallow as 50 feet (15 m).

Careful consideration was used by TPWD during the conversion of the ship into an artificial reef to preserve the ship's appearance. All masts and kingposts that were cut to meet Coast Guard clearance requirements are being secured to the deck of the ship to add interest for divers and increase complexity for wildlife.

The Texas Clipper is one of the largest vessels serving as an artificial reef off Texas. It is 473 feet (144 m) long. The V.A. Fogg, off Freeport, is 570 feet (174 m) long. Twelve other WWII era ships are also part of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program.

Unfortunately upon hitting the bottom the vessel has tipped onto its side, blocking access to the interior for fish and divers. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesman Aaron Reed said it was unclear what caused the ship to tip. He said the state might ask the company that prepared the ship for its sinking to correct its position. The sinking of the ship has already cost the state about $4 million. [1]

Before scrapping, a mural by Saul Steinberg that he painted during the cruise ship conversion was discovered beneath wallpaper, and the wall panels were removed for conservation.[2]

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