USS SLATER — Attraction in City of Albany

Wow! Who knew this great maritime museum ship was docked in Albany? We were visiting Howe Caverns (great place...check it out) and looking for something to do nearby after leaving Howe Caverns enroute to our way home in Brooklyn. Did a Google search and the USS Slater came up. Turns out the Slater is the only remaining WWII Destroyer Escort still afloat. Amazing stuff. I was always intrigued by the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the heroic actions of the USS Samuel B. Roberts (Google the battle and be awe stuck by the unfolding events). The Roberts was also a Destroyer Escort so it was a dream come true to be on the same type ship and get a feel for what type vessel was going against superior Japanese forces that included Heavy Cruisers and Battleships.

There is a short video before the tour begins that gives some basic info about the Roberts. The tour itself is extensive lasting about an hour. There is also the option of a longer 2 hour tour if you have the time. Our guide was fantastic. Funny and informative. Went through numerous areas of the ship and nothing was rushed. The ship itself was in amazing shape. A testament to the people who are caring for it. All volunteers. The tour was also hands on since you get the opportunity to experience things crew members did. We were given Naval gun shells to get a feel for what a strain it would have been to bring up ammunition in the heat of battle. Got to go on one of the gun mounts and use the traversing mechanism with my grandson. Nice touches included the ability to get in a crew members sleeping hammock, which rocks about likes there's no tomorrow even though the ship is stationary. Can't imagine it on the high seas. Really gives you an idea that this would be no fun. Another great thing was the placement of materials i.e. food utensils, maps, original crew member personal belongings, etc. that gave a real feel for authenticity.

The Slater checks all the boxes. Important naval history presented in a fun way. Easy to get to. Free parking on site. Beyond reasonable entry fee. In depth and informative tour. You're not rushed during the tour. Authentic restoration. Nice little souvenir shop that stocks a well curated selection of naval history books.

There is one bad thing about the Slater though. Oh no! Oh yes! What is the bad thing? No government support. How can this be! I'm at a loss what to call this. A travesty? An insult? A disregard for history? Over 500 built during WWII and there's not a ton of them left. This is the last one that is afloat. There is another, the USS Stewart, but it is a different class and is not afloat. Beyond shocking for a vessel that saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. We signed up for a membership even though we don't live in the Albany area and more than likely will not make use of the benefits provided by membership. The important thing to us was to funnel a contribution. Please consider doing the same. A heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers involved in persevering an important and irreplaceable part of...

Visiting the USS Slater was an absolutely incredible experience! This was the first warship we have ever had the chance to explore, and it completely exceeded our expectations. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were transported back in time and given a vivid sense of what life was like for those who served on this historic vessel. Our tour guide was phenomenal and extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about sharing the ship’s history. Every story, every detail, and every corner of the ship came alive through their explanations.

The restoration work on the USS Slater is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s clear that countless hours of dedication and care went into preserving every detail, from the machinery to the living quarters, and it’s inspiring to see history kept alive so meticulously. We took the full bow-to-stern tour, which allowed us to see every aspect of the ship, from the operational areas to the crew quarters. It was fascinating to witness how this ship functioned during its active service.

What made the experience even more special was the combination of history, hands-on exploration, and personal storytelling. You really gain a deep appreciation for the challenges, bravery, and daily life of those who served aboard. The USS Slater isn’t just a museum, it’s a living piece of history that gives visitors an unforgettable, immersive experience. We walked away not only educated but truly inspired, and it’s a memory we will cherish forever. This is absolutely a must do for anyone visiting the area, whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and...

The USS Slater is a Cannon class Destroyer Escort museum ship in Albany NY. The USS Slater is a one of a kind hands on learning experience as it is the only Destroyer Escort in the United States in its original wartime configuration. The Slater was launched on February 20th 1944 and commissioned on May 1944, being built in Tampa Florida. The main purpose of the USS Slater and other Destroyer Escorts during WWII was guarding and protecting supply convoys. On October 3rd, 1944, Slater reported for convoy duty in Brooklyn, NY. By the end of the war in Europe, Slater escorted five concord to the United Kingdom. Liverpool England (Oct 17-20 1944), Milfordhaven Wales (Oct 21 1944), Glasgow Scotland (Dec 14-19 1944), Cardiff Wales (Jan 22 1945), Cardiff Wales (March 10-14 1945), Cardiff Wales (April 28 - May 4 1945). In June 1945, the Slater headed for the Pacific Theatre joining Task Unit 33.2.4. For the remainder of 1945, Slater was engaged in support operations before being placed in the reserve fleet in 1947 and being transferred to Greek service in 1951. Finally in 1991, the ship was donated to the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association and returned to New York in 1993. The Slater has had a permanent home in Albany...