USS Slater celebrates storied history 80 years in the making

By the time it was moored permanently in the Hudson River on Albany’s waterfront, the USS Slater had led an exceptional existence. Over its 80 years, it has survived a world war protecting American ships against German U-boats and Japanese kamikaze attacks, sailed across the globe and back, and served in two sovereign navies. Only a handful of destroyer escorts remain, and the Slater is the only one in the US still afloat. Exceptional indeed.

When the Slater was commissioned on May 1, 1944, Glen Miller’s “In the Mood” played on the radio while folks tended to their victory gardens. Americans across the country were gripped by the war effort. One of 563 destroyer escorts built during World War II, the Slater was deployed to protect Allied convoys from German subs hunting in the Atlantic waters. Following victory in Europe, it assisted convoys in the Pacific theater before being handed over to the Hellenic Navy—Greece’s naval force—after the war.

Albany became the recipient of this incredible piece of history because the Destroyer Escort Sailor Association recognized the importance of preserving the mission and memories of destroyer escorts and their sailors. The organization acquired the Slater before the Hellenic Navy could scrap it and towed the ship across the Atlantic to the New York City harbor. There, it sat beside the WWII Intrepid aircraft carrier while being refurbished. In 1997, the ship was moved up to Albany to its forever home.

And so the Slater sits handsomely on the Hudson, having more than doubled its expected lifespan, a feat made possible by many labors of love. The ship now serves as a museum and has become one of Albany’s most visited and well-known attractions.

“The backbone of our organization is our volunteers. They are passionate about teaching World War II history, and donate around 15,000 hours of labor each year to doing just that,” said John Epp, curator at the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, which is what the Slater is officially called. The 518 caught up with the curator last week for a personal tour of the ship, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. 

If you have ever visited the Slater, you know that to crawl through its tight corridors below deck, get up close with its big guns, and see where the sailors slept and dropped depth charges on German U-boats, is to feel a profound connection to the past. You can’t help but feel a sense of pride in what this ship and the Allied powers accomplished during the war.

Over the years, the ship has been extensively renovated to return it to its former glory. The dazzle camouflage (also known as razzle dazzle) on its exterior looks sharp, and the ship looks as ready as it did in 1945 to defend against the Nazis. Today, the Slater is available for daily guided tours, naval reunions, and even overnight youth camping trips.

In celebration of the ship’s 80th year, the many sailors who risked their lives, and the volunteers who continue to bring the Slater to life with enthusiasm, the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum invites you to a 1940s-themed party! 

Join the museum’s curator, volunteers and other guests at The Hangar at 743 Albany Shaker Road, 5-8p, on June 15, to toast the ship, and swing and sway to Satin Dollz. Tickets are $80 per individual or $150 for couples. Enjoy a buffet and cash bar. Donations are welcome. 

Proceeds from the event will go toward upkeep of the Slater. Additionally, there will be a memorial ceremony at 10 a.m. on the ship to honor folks from the destroyer escort community who have passed.

More to explore: 🎧️ Listen to a podcast on the history of the USS Slater and destroyer escorts.