LA PORTE— The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is reopening to visitors Saturday after a weeklong closure to repair leaks in its hull. The 103-year-old battleship is a veteran of both World Wars, including two of World War II’s most infamous battles- Iwo Jima and D-Day.

The battleship was closed this week to repair several holes below the waterline on the starboard side of the hull, which caused the ship to list 8 degrees. A dive crew patched the leaks while staff pumped water off the ship.

On Wednesday, the battleship’s list was back to normal, but crews continued to monitor the condition of the ship throughout the week.

The historic battleship gives visitors a unique view into the life of sailors during the 20th century with historical representations and displays including the canteen, soda fountain, ward room and officer quarters, just to name a few.

At 103 years old, the Battleship Texas is the last surviving U.S. Battleship to have served in both World War I and II. When it was launched, it was the most powerful ship in the U.S. Navy. The iconic ship, now docked along the Houston Ship Channel, was decommissioned and became a memorial ship in April 1948.

A special program will be hosted this Saturday highlighting the story of Pvt. Cale Carter and African-American involvement globally in World War II. The Buffalo Solider program will present their event each hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. aboard the ship.

The Battleship Texas is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about the site can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

Photo Editors: Images associated with this news release are available on the TPWD Web site (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/).