Posted on August 10th, 2013

USS Slater, DE 776

The USS Slater, DE 776, is a historic US Navy World War II destroyer escort ship that is now docked in Albany, New York, where it serves as a museum ship.  It is moored on the Broadway Waterfront at the foot of Madison Avenue. It is open for tours from April to November, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, for a small fee. It is the last remaining of these types of naval vessels afloat in the USA.   It was launched in 1944 and served in the Atlantic during World War II, escorting convoys and hunting for German submarines, but was too slow and lightly armed for main naval fleet work. It carried depth charges in stern racks and side throwers, hedgehog mortars, 20mm & 40mm AA guns and three 3" guns.

The Slater was decommissioned in 1947 and later sold to Greece, where it served in the Greek Navy for several decades. In 1993, it was acquired by the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, which brought it back to the United States and began restoring it to its World War II-era condition.

Today, visitors to the USS Slater can take a guided tour of the ship and learn about its history and the role it played in the war. The tour includes a visit to the ship's bridge, engine room, and living quarters, as well as exhibits on naval warfare and life at sea.

The USS Slater is one of only a few destroyer escort ships remaining in the United States and is considered a significant piece of naval history. Its restoration and preservation in Albany allow visitors to learn about the sacrifices made by American sailors during World War II and the important role played by these ships in protecting convoys and hunting enemy submarines.