EXTERIOR TIME LINE

Overview - The time line links show the extensive changes to the ship's exterior appearance from 1913 through 1948.  The changes are organized into time periods based around major events and quantity of exterior changes.  The amount of change prohibits a complete display through a single link..  

Reason for the time line

• Identify if photo is BB35.  Many ships of the TEXAS era look alike.  By looking at exterior features a BB35 determination can be made.
• Date the photo.  Many photos contain only vague reference to a decade or none at all.  By identifying objects that are and aren't present, the date can be considerably narrowed

Building the time line  

The time line started with limited original documents, known dry dock/navy yard periods and accurately dated photos.  

The time line allowed for deductions to be made. 

For example, August 1942 photos show measure 12 and 15 March-31 May 1943 photos show measure 22.  Between this time there was only one dry dock period of 23 February to 8 March 1943 in which the paint could have been changed.  

In addition the March - May 1943 photos show the SG antenna below the foremast fire control structure and the CIC yet there is another measure 22 photo without the antenna and a much different CIC structure.  The only deduction is the two additions were made after the dry dock and before  15 March - 31 May 1943 photos.  The deduction holds up for after leaving the dry dock on 8 March, BB35 entered the Norfolk Navy Yard until 15 March.  Thus we know the present day CIC and the SG radar was installed between 8 - 15 March 1943.

The time line will be modified as more original source documents are obtained