Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 40:53-41:06

USS Texas crew identity and state pride

Texas did not formally receive a state-based reserve crew, but many Texans actively sought assignments to their namesake battleship.

Naval PersonnelShip NamingTexasUS NavyUSS Texas (BB-35)
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Question

Did USS Texas end up with a mostly Texan crew because US naval reserves were organised on state lines?

Short answer

Not formally, but many Texans volunteered and sought assignment to their namesake ship.

Notes

The crew's composition did not follow a formal state-line reserve system. USS Texas nevertheless appears to have carried a substantial proportion of Texans. Many had volunteered and pressed for assignment to the ship because it bore their state's name. Namesake identity can shape personnel preferences even without an official regional manning policy.