The USS Slater is a piece of living history, the only World War II destroyer escort still floating. Named for Frank O. Slater, a sailor killed at the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Slater served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific, notably escorting convoys to Wales from the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Decommissioned in 1951, it found a second life with the Greek Navy as the Aetos, convoying people and supplies all around the Aegean. After 40 years, it was rescued from the scrap yard in 1991 by the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association (DESA) and brought back to the United States to be refurbished, then brought to its current home on the Hudson River. Visit today to see its numerous authentic artifacts. Dedicated volunteer staff and in-depth guided tours make it a must-see for aficionados of American military history.
Get excited for the guided tour of the ship with the short but thorough video introduction, which lays out the history of the USS Slater’s service during the war. Follow your tour guide, who may be a Navy veteran, onto the deck. Let the gregarious and knowledgeable guide regale you with stories from the memories of men who served on the ship as you look into the cabins stocked with their donated personal effects.
Climb up and down the staircases as you explore the rooms, including the officers’ lounge, which occasionally served as a makeshift surgery during battle. Clamber into the anti-aircraft gun turrets and spin the guns. Look out from the prow as you imagine the action this ship engaged in.
The USS Slater is located east of Albany at its moorage along the Hudson River, best accessed by car. The ship is open for tours from April to November, from mid morning to late afternoon. The admission price includes the 1-hour tour. Children under age 6 enter for free. For an additional fee, access the ship’s engine room by prior arrangement. The ship’s tour includes several steep staircases and tight squeezes, which may not be comfortable for people with limited mobility. Park for free in the small adjacent lot.
