Written by Kris Land
The Texas Towers Incident: Bravery Despite the Odds
It is impossible to stop every tragedy, but there are those who will try even when it means risking their own
safety. This was the case in the tragic Texas Towers incident which marked another important landmark in the history of the U.S.S. New Bedford (currently the Seabird).
An Impending Demise
Captain Sixto Mangual was in charge of the U.S.S. New Bedford which was scheduled to run supplies to the Texas Towers located off the coast of Long Island, New York. Tower 4 in particular was known for experiencing structural problems after suffering damage from Hurricane Donna in September of 1960. Captain Mangual was ordered to travel to Tower 4 to pick up equipment and resupply the minimal team of 14 air force personnel and 14 contractors inhabiting the tower. He would also be dropping off Airman First Class Larry Wolford who was to replace another airman who had left the tower earlier.
Tower 4 had been given the nickname "Old Shakey," and for a good reason. The damage inflicted by the hurricane caused the tower to shift and move. Despite this, the small skeleton crew was left stationed in the tower, which was scheduled for complete renovation to begin on February 1st, 1961.
Unrelenting Spirit and Selfless Bravery
After picking up equipment and leaving supplies and airman Wolford, the New Bedford moved away from
Tower 4. Captain Phelan, who was in charge of Tower 4, soon after radioed Captain Mangual and requested that he stay in the area. There were weather concerns, although reports received by the tower did not warrant an evacuation.
Things did not improve and as winter weather conditions worsened, Captain Mangual and his crew stayed close by. Captain Mangual even contacted Captain Phelan again, urging him to evacuate the tower before conditions became too dangerous for the vessel to approach. After attempting to consult superiors at Otis Air Force Base, Captain Phelan declined. It was never stated whether he was ordered to remain or not.
The Fall of Tower 4
Weather conditions continued to grow more treacherous. Still, Captain Mangual stayed near Tower 4, determined to help out if the opportunity presented itself. The waves churned and the ship itself was soon in danger. Despite this, the captain and his crew remained for the sake of those stuck inside Tower 4.
Unfortunately, there was little Captain Mangual and the New Bedford could do to help Tower 4. It was 
January 15th, 1961, a mere two weeks before the tower was scheduled for renovations. It's weakened structure finally gave way and the violent sea ripped off three of its legs. The 28 individuals inside perished. The U.S.S. New Bedford and her crew headed home, after ignoring orders to return and fighting fears for their safety to ensure that others were given a chance to survive. Despite the loss of life, the actions of Captain Mangual and his crew are a testament to true bravery.
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Breaking News
If every house in the United States changed all of the light bulbs in their house, that would be equivalent to taking one million cars off the streets.
1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
