Yesterday, we highlighted a historic moment for the California State Guard as they christened The Sacramento, a new vessel into their Maritime Command fleet. This new ship will support local and state law enforcement as well as the U.S. Coast Guard in patrolling California’s coastal waters, helping ensure the safety and security of the Golden State’s maritime domain.
But California isn’t alone in operating ships and maritime forces under its State Defense Force. Several other State Defense Forces maintain dedicated naval components—including the Ohio State Defense Force, Alaska State Defense Force, and notably, the Texas State Guard.
The Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment is one of the most well-known and active naval elements among State Defense Forces. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in preserving and maintaining the historic USS Texas (BB-35)—a World War II battleship that served with distinction in multiple U.S. military campaigns, including Operation Torch and D-Day in Normandy. Texas State Guard divers and sailors have worked tirelessly to ensure this iconic vessel could remain afloat and accessible to the public. Although the ship has since closed due to uncontrollable flooding and the lack of original parts for repair, the service of these Guard members deserves national recognition. Their dedication allowed generations of Americans to pay respect to a living piece of history.
Beyond maritime SAR & historical preservation, the Texas State Guard Maritime Unit operates a fleet of ships and boats for a wide range of missions. These include maritime search and rescue operations, particularly critical during hurricanes or severe weather that cause widespread flooding. Their specialized Dive Team is trained in “heavy lift” operations, assisting fire departments and law enforcement agencies by retrieving submerged vehicles and materials from rivers and coastal waters.
One of the most vital missions currently undertaken by this maritime unit is the maintenance and support of vessels used by the Texas National Guard to patrol the Rio Grande and other key waterways along the Texas-Mexico border. These efforts are part of Operation Lone Star (OLS), a large-scale joint mission between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department, launched in 2021 to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. OLS has resulted in the apprehension of over 500,000 individuals and the seizure of nearly half a billion doses of fentanyl. The Texas State Guard’s sailors are among the hundreds of Guard members supporting this mission, playing an essential role in ensuring the security of Texas and the nation.
The Texas State Guard Diving School is also one of the most advanced within the State Defense Forces, with elite training in underwater operations, rescue techniques, and maritime recovery. Their skills are regularly called upon to support a variety of state and interagency missions.
In closing, the Texas State Guard exemplifies how State Defense Forces are not limited to land-based operations. These dedicated military forces possess the personnel, expertise, and equipment to respond to both natural disasters and security threats—whether on land or in the water. Alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, the maritime regiments of State Defense Forces like Texas work tirelessly to keep our rivers, coasts, and communities safe and secure.
Texas Guardsmen perform maintenance checks and service their boats during regular boat training exercises. These boats are an integral part of Operation Lone Star’s mission to deter, detect, and interdict suspects who attempt illegal crossings from Mexico into Texas.
Source: Texas Military Department
