OT: USS Slater anniversary

bbunge · **Posted:** Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:10 pm

Destroyer Escort USS Slater was returned to the US 20 years ago today. The work done on this ship is nothing short of amazing. Before and after photos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hHgCbRh588

Bob Bunge

PCook · **Joined:** Sat Jul 02, 2005 7:16 am **Posts:** 2126

USS SLATER is one of the finest museum warships in the world, and their website is an excellent example for other preservation groups to study.

PC

Randy Gustafson · **Posted:** Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:21 am

One of the leadership in that group is Gordon Lattey, who has worked with us here at Stone Consulting since 1992 on railroad economic impact and tourism studies. That focus on the visitor experience is one of the reasons they have been as successful as they have. Gordon speaks both languages fluently; train and ship, and is an ex-Navy man.

There's an awful lot in common with museum ships and excursion railroads, particularly when it comes to visitors, capital budgets, 'fans', etc. And like some railroads, the discovery that 'small done better is better than big done poorly' applies to ships as well.

hamster · **Posted:** Thu Aug 29, 2013 6:39 pm

I don't typically follow marine restorations, but when I checked out the USS Slater web site I ended up spending several hours looking at the amazing detail and all the links to commentary and demonstrations. The completeness and authenticity of the restoration is truly amazing for an artifact of its size and complexity! Made me want to head east 1500 miles to Abany to see the thing in person!

PCook · **Joined:** Sat Jul 02, 2005 7:16 am **Posts:** 2126

It is well worth the long drive to see the USS Slater, it is one of the finest museum vessels in the world. While you are there be sure to talk with the staff and volunteers, they are all very helpful and will be glad to tell you about their experiences and the effort that went into setting up that superb website.

They have several groups of very dedicated volunteers that meet and travel halfway across the country and spend their vacations working on the ship.

PC

dwither1 · **Joined:** Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:43 pm **Posts:** 46

A sister ship of the USS Slater, is one of the last of the WW II ships still serving as an active commissioned navy vessel. DE-169, the former USS Atherton (also a Cannon class DE), is currently the BRP Rajah Humabon, and is the flagship of the Philipine navy.