History has a new home, Battleship Texas

History has a new home, Battleship Texas coming to Galveston
Presented by Tony Gregory, President, Battleship Texas Foundation

Anthony K. (Tony) Gregory 

After growing up in Houston, and attending Lamar High School, Mr. Gregory attended Stanford University, where he graduated in 1970 with a degree in history.  After working in various construction industry jobs, he entered University of Texas Architecture School, graduating in 1976 with a specialty in historic preservation.  For a number of years, he worked in architecture/development/construction roles.  In 1992, leaving the construction industry behind, he founded Cornerstone Automotive, an independent automotive repair shop.  He and his wife went on to build and operate 7 shops across Texas.  The first 3 shops were in Houston, and have now been sold.  The remaining 4 shops are located in San Antonio, Temple, and Round Rock.

Following in his mother’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Mr. Gregory joined the Battleship Texas Foundation as a Board member in 2005.  In 2009, he assumed the role of Chairman of the Board.  In 2019, after receiving a substantial grant from the Texas Legislature to restore the ship, he became the President and CEO.  This lateral move allowed him to spend more time managing the repair/restoration project.

Under his leadership the Foundation successfully moved the USS Texas from San Jacinto State Park to a dry dock at Gulf Copper Shipyard in Galveston in 2022.  The hull has been replaced/repaired and is now substantially water tight. The ship remains in the shipyard, where the topside repairs have just been completed; work on the second deck has started.  Public spaces on the ship will be ready in the fall of 2025.  

Recently, the Port of Galveston approved Pier 15 for a permanent new home port for the TEXAS. This location, which is between two new cruise terminals, will provide great exposure to the millions of Galveston tourists.  The goal is to be at the Pier 15 location by Q1/Q2 of 2026.  

Additionally, the Foundation has operated successfully since 2019 with no every day ticket revenue.  Revenue comes from donations, events, and on-line sales. 

Join Virtually ---> May 8, 2025