USS SLATER is scheduled to open to the public on Wednesday, April 4th.
This year will mark the ship's 21st season in Albany. There have been tremendous changes to the ship since she first arrived. USS SLATER has become one of the best restored, most historically accurate World War II ships in the world.
A National Historic Landmark, USS SLATER is the only remaining World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. Destroyer Escorts originally were conceived to battle Nazi U-Boats while escorting convoys across the Atlantic. However, their versatility proved useful in the Pacific defending task forces from Kamikaze attacks. Many Destroyer Escorts continued to serve during the Korean and Viet Nam Wars. The current US Navy Fleet's frigates are descendants of these small ships.
USS SLATER also saw service in Greece's Navy as AETOS (Eagle). In 1951 SLATER, along with three sister ships, was transferred to the Hellenic Navy. She served 40 years as a patrol and training ship before retiring and returning to the U.S.
USS SLATER is owned and operated by Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, a private, non-profit organization. The Museum receives no regular Federal, State, or local government financial support. Now is a great time to become a member of the Museum. Members get free admission all season, as well as other benefits. Individual and family memberships are available, starting at just $25.
USS SLATER is located on the Hudson River in Downtown Albany just south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge. Once open, public hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children.