Artificial Reef Program
The latest exhibit at the Aquarium may be near and dear to the hearts of many an Aggie. A number of posters and artifacts are on display from the USTS Texas Clipper. a 473-foot ship that served as a merchant marine training vessel with the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Originally built in 1944 as an attack transport vessel serving in WWII, she was later converted to a trans-Atlantic ocean liner, carrying cargo and passengers from New York to Mediterranean ports. She was doomed for the scrap pile when she received a new life in 1965 -- when she was renamed the USTS Texas Clipper. After serving TAMU-G for 30 years, she was again doomed for the scrap pile. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the vessel in 2006. We an investment of over $4,000,000 for conversion, cleanup, and appropriate ceremony, the USTS Texas Clipper became a significant part of the TPWD artificial reef program. she was placed in 132 feet of water, 17 nautical miles northeast east of South Padre Island on November 17, 2007. There she will continue to serve fishermen, divers, and sea life for many years.
A brass porthole, a compass, and an assembly of photographs are at the Aquarium for visitors to learn more about this majestic ship.
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