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 naval history.