Yes, I did mean "striking" in referring to the deck color. Now, my fingers may have been trying to type "intriguing" at the same time, too.
The color of the wood "reads' as a very rich reddish hue, one I've not seen even in newly-hewn teak. But, may be the origin of tales that Texas had been (re)decked in south Texas cypress.
That color, though, would be a good match ofr the reports from WWII sailors (thanks TPW) that the signal platforms, and searchlight platforms that "russet leather" linoleum over the steel decks.
Against that is the photography issues the photo has. For that sea state, it's almost certainly overcast, probably close to dark. The photographer has used a mix of f-stop and exposure time to collect that photo, and proably an equal amount of time printing that negative on the enlarger, too. So, the lighter grays are going to be washed out and pale. just as the sea scans as near black.
To Mr. McBean--Texas has only worn her Sea Blue paint scheme since her refurbishment in the '80s. before that, she wore an odd mix of pre & post war 'haze' gray paint. The accuracy of the paint (& paint scheme) was of a similar quality to the concrete poured upon her main deck replacing the wooden deck. Which, i nsome fairness, was in keeping with fitting her out with Kingfisher float planes, and the 1.1" "Chicago organs" in her AA positions. This was how I first experienced her in the '70s as a school kid