USS Slater

Frank O. Slater, born in Fyffe, Ala., on 19 December 1920, enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 10 February 1942. Upon completion of basic training, Slater was transferred to the Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor, for reassignment. He served in San Francisco from 4 April 1942 to 12 November 1942 when he was killed in action at his battle station. Slater was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry in action.

Slater (DE-766) was laid down on 9 March 1943 by the Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Fla.; launched on 13 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. James L. Slater; and commissioned on 1 May 1944, Lt. Comdr. M. J. Blancq in command.

Slater completed her shakedown cruise off Bermuda on 25 June and sailed to Boston for post-shakedown availability. She sailed for Key West, Fla., on 11 July, where she acted as a target ship for TBF squadrons and as a sonar school ship until departing for New York on 15 September. The escort moved to Portland, Me., for training and returned to New York on 3 October.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Slater (DE-766)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.