USTS Texas Clipper

Texas Parks and Wildlife hosted a ceremony to honor the USTS Texas Clipper for its 60-year history in service to this country on Saturday, March 31, 2007 on South Padre Island.  The ship's final duty will be to serve this state as a premier artificial reef providing quality angling and diving to the people of Texas.

The ceremony recognized the partnership between the U.S. Maritime Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M University at Galveston.  Dr. Stephen Curley, Regents Professor of English, presented a historical overview of the ship and her many lives. 

The ship was remembered by Mr. Jim Edwards who served aboard her during her time as the USS Queens. Her time as the SS Excambion was remembered by letter by crew members and cruise guests. Mr. Terry Ray, a former prep-cadet, remembered his summer at sea on board the Texas Clipper in 1975.

Mr. Jim Edwards and Dr. Stephen Curley

Mr. Dale Shively, Dr. Larry McKinney, and Mr. Jim Morrison presented information about the Artificial Reef program, the ecological benefits, and economic impact of the future reef.

Four Texas Maritime Academy Cadets - Mr. Jeff Gowen, Mr. Drew McKinney, Mr. Graham Monaham, and Mr. Gabriel Ashworth - marked the occasion by ringing the bell to signify the change of watch.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

On Sunday, April 1, 2007, a contingent of Former Students, friends, and family took a harbor tour to view the Texas Clipper berthed at the Port of Brownsville where she is undergoing preparations for the reefing. 

 Reefing is tentatively set for late June.  Details will be posted here as they are available.

April 1, 2007

For details about the Texas Parks and Wildlife Artificial Reef program and plans for the Texas Clipper please click here.

First known as the USS Queens (APA 103), she served as an attack transport. From 1944 to 1946 she carried troops and treated Iwo Jima casualties.  From 1948 to 1959, as the SS Excambion she carried passengers and cargo between New York City and Mediterranean ports. From 1965-1996, she proudly served as the USTS Texas Clipper, the training ship for the Texas Maritime Academy located at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

USS Queens ~ SS Excambion ~ USTS Texas Clipper ~ Texas Parks and Wildlife Artificial Reef

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