Join us in celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday Monday October 13th at 10:00 am. All are welcome as USS SLATER’s Volunteer of the Year, Tim Benner, is honored by the Capital Region Chief Petty Officers Association. All U.S. Navy Veterans can tour USS SLATER with no admission fee in celebration. Tours will begin at the conclusion of the ceremony.

SLATER will be open to the public for tours of the ship and shoreside activities celebrating the milestone birthday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Some of the activities will be making your own sailor hat, practicing Morse Code, or coloring your own ship in Dazzle Camouflage. Everyone is welcome!

The Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy, which the Continental Congress established on October 13, 1775, by authorizing the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America.

In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, authorized recognition of October 13th as the Navy’s Birthday. It is intended as an internal activity for members of active forces and reserves, as well as retirees, dependents, and friends. Since 1972, each Chief of Naval Operations has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence towards pride and professionalism in the Naval Service.”

USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for her 28th season in Albany. Guided tours start every 30 minutes. No reservations are required. USS SLATER is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, through Sunday November 30th, 2025. The ship is located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.