USS Slater

On 4 June 1944, the USS GUADALCANAL (CVE-60) hunter-killer group successfully captured the German submarine, U-505 in a daring high seas operation.

With the carrier were five destroyer es**rts: USS PILLSBURY (DE-133), USS POPE (DE-134), USS FLAHERTY (DE-135), USS CHATELAIN (DE-149), and USS JENKS (DE-665). In command of this task group was Captain Daniel Gallery.

U-505 was detected via sonar by CHATELAIN at 1109 and began a series of hedgehog and depth charge attacks. The damaged submarine surfaced and its crew abandoned ship while others remained to carry out the scuttling procedures.

AS CHATELAIN began rescuing the German crew from the cold waters, the crew of PILLSBURY executed an operation they had been training for: capturing an enemy submarine.

The boarding party, led by Lt. (j.g.) Albert David, climbed aboard the u-boat and successfully stopped the scuttling process. For his bravery, David became the only member of the Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor in the Atlantic Theater. Unfortunately, he passed away from a heart attack before President Truman was able to present it. He was further honored by becoming the namesake to the GARCIA-class destroyer es**rt USS ALBERT DAVID (DE/FF-1050).

U-505 was then towed by GUADALCANAL to the United States via Bermuda. Today, she is a museum at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. U-505's crew were segregated from other POWs to conceal its capture. It was not until after the war that the truth was fully revealed.

USS SLATER played a supporting role in the capture of U-505. On 25 June 1944, SLATER transported an acoustic torpedo from U-505 to Solomons Island, Maryland.

Monday, 1 June 2026. Moored as before, port side to, Albany Snow Dock, Hudson River, Albany New York. Tied up with eight nylon lines doubled and eight wires. Taking all utilities from shore. Plant remains cold iron.

The Monday volunteers continued repairs to the aft head sink. set up a donated band saw in the fabrication area outside the machine shop. Continued welding on Flying bridge and working on repairs to 20mm gun 26. Installed the gasket and trial fitted scuttle on aft hatch. Made a scrap metal run. Open for tours in the afternoon.

Saturday, 30 May 2026. After a full day of tours, Henry and Elyse came at five to chaperone the overnight encampment tonight. We wish them luck and hope they take turns getting some rest.

The weekend is here and it's Liberty Call! What could be a surer sign of spring than Sailors and girls?