Residents who want to get a last look at the historic Battleship Texas have only a few weeks to do so: Aug. 25 is the last day the ship will be open to the public before it is closed and prepared for transport for repairs. On Aug. 26, staff will begin cataloging and securing thousands of artifacts on the ship. Staff will also remove larger exhibit collections before the ship moves to undergo maintenance, according to a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department press release. Officials have said the ship is going to Alabama for repairs. “It is important that we take the necessary steps to preserve the profound legacy of the Battleship Texas,” Director of Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin said in the release. “I look forward to the next chapter that the battleship will experience after these much-needed repairs are completed. The ship has taken part in some of the most significant naval battles of the 20th century, and we hope it will continue to be around for future generations of Texans to enjoy.” After repairs, it is unclear where Battleship Texas will end up. It could return to its home at the Battleship Texas State Historic Site in La Porte, or it could move to Galveston or other parts of Texas. State Rep. Mary Ann Perez, D-Houston, has said she was disappointed the ship is not being repaired in Texas and that she will fight to make sure Battleship Texas returns to La Porte after it is fixed. “It needs to stay where it is,” she said. Visitors will continue to have access to the San Jacinto Monument, the San Jacinto Battleground and the park's nature trails during the battleship closure. For more information, visit the Battleship Texas State Historic Site and the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site’s web pages.