| USS Texas (BB-35) Silhouetted against the sunset, while participating in North Atlantic convoy operations, circa Summer 1941. Photographed by United States Navy Lieutenant Dayton A. Seiler (January 7, 1914 – July 10, 2001). After operating briefly in the West Indies, Texas began operating on the Neutrality Patrol in May 1941, established to keep the war out of the western hemisphere, principally basing on Narragansett Bay, making 3 extended cruises, in May, June, and July, into the North Atlantic. During the 2nd of those patrols, on June 20, Texas, in company with the destroyers USS Mayrant (DD-402), USS Trippe (DD-403) and USS Rhind (DD-404), was sighted by the German submarine U-203, Kapitänleutnant Rolf Mützelburg (June 23, 1913 – September 11, 1942), commanding, on her 1st war patrol, within what the Kriegsmarine (“Nazi German Navy”) considered the war, or “blockade” zone in the Atlantic. The United States Navy ships, unaware of U-203’s being in proximity, outdistanced the U-boat and frustrated any attack plans. Consequently, Grössadmiral Erich Raeder (April 24, 1876 – November 6, 1960), the Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine, sent orders to his deployed U-boats that United States Navy ships could only be attacked if they ventured across the western boundary of the blockade zone by 20 miles (32 kilometers) or more, or within a 20-mile strip along that western boundary. Subsequently, USS Texas remained at Norfolk for a period of repairs and alterations (August 15 – October 14) then a 1-day sail to Argentia, Newfoundland). Sunday, December 7, 1941, found Texas at Casco Bay, Maine, enjoying a rest and relaxation period following 3 months of watch duty at Argentia, Newfoundland. Receiving word there of the Japanese onslaught in the Pacific, Texas remained in Casco Bay for 10 days, after which she returned to Argentia, remaining there for the holidays. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1897.jpg |
| Image Size | 2.13 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 4987 x 3275 |
| Photographer | Dayton A. Seiler |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | July 1, 1941 |
| Location | |
| City | |
| State or Province | |
| Country | Atlantic Ocean |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | 80-G-K-387 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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