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68,328 total miles sailed as of 6 April 1917 with 49,634 miles during this period The Chesapeake Bay area was the main base of operation with some basing in the Newport R.I. area. Extensive gunnery practice and maneuvers were the major activity of this period. These operations were conducted under the growing threat of World War I German submarine activity. The "Southern Drill Ground", an area just out side the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay was a frequent area of activity. Several months were spent in the Caribbean in the Cuban areas of Guantanamo Bay and Guacanayabo Bay. Haiti was a port call during the Caribbean periods; TEXAS gunnery proficiency was such that the New York Times ;reported, on 16 February 1915 her setting a 14"gunnery record. In Aug 1916, she wins the US Navy battle efficiency trophy. On 4 February 1917 the New York Times again reported TEXAS lead in 14" gunnery.

Leaving the Caribbean, on 23 March 1917, TEXAS moved inside Chesapeake Bay and behind the Bay's protective torpedo net. The measure was taken due rising tensions with Germany over her use of submarines. She was in the York River, Va., when America declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917 and entered World War I

On 26 May 1915, TEXAS responded to an emergency call to rescue passengers aboard the damaged Holland-American ship RYNDAM (RIJNDAM in Dutch). The RYNDAM and the Norwegian steam JOESPH J CUNEO collided in a dense fog off Nantucket Shoals, off the Rhode Island shore. Racing through the fog with the SOUTH CAROLINA, the ships arrived at the location and rescued 230 passengers. With the passengers rescued, both ships escorted the damaged RYNDAM on a19 hour move to New York City. The company and the Dutch government presented TEXAS and SOUTH CAROLINA with a model of the 17th century Dutch flagship De Zeven Provincien. Today, the pewter model is on display in the Wardroom. Additional data about RIJNNDAM from "Mariners List courtesy of Mr. Ted Finch. The RIJNDAM was a 12,340 gross ton ship, length 550.3ft x beam 62.3ft, one funnel, two masts, twin screw and a speed of 15 knots. Accommodation for 286-1st, 196-2nd and 1,800-3rd class passengers. Built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast, she was launched for Holland America Line on 18th May 1901. Her maiden voyage started on 10th Oct.1901 when she left Rotterdam for New York. On 18th Jan.1916 she was damaged by a mine in the North Sea but was repaired and resumed Rotterdam - New York sailings on 15th Apr.1916. Requisitioned by the US Government for transport service on 21st Mar.1918, she was released at Rotterdam in Oct.1919. On 31st Jul.1920 she resumed Rotterdam - New York sailings, was refitted to carry cabin and 3rd class passengers in May 1925, and cabin, tourist and 3rd class in May 1926. Her last Rotterdam - New York voyage started on 16th Apr.1929 and she was scrapped at Hendrik Ibo Ambacht, Netherlands, in 1929.

Photo of the De Zeven Provincien courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

In June 1916, though attack from submarines and surface ships were still the main concern, the first defensive steps against attack by airplanes occurred with the installation of two 3inch Mark X anti-aircraft guns atop the cranes. The 1912 joiner drawings show the ship was to be equipped with eight 3inch guns but for unknown reasons they were not installed. The two 3inch guns crane top guns were removed during the 1925-1927 modernization

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Started 11 May 1999 Chuck Moore, FTV (1st Texas Volunteers) BB35 volunteer group