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DE Classified

by USS SLATER

Welcome to DE Classified a podcast showcasing the history of Destroyer Escorts. Each month a member of the USS SLATER’s education crew will highlight a specific Destroyer Escort and share the stories of the sailors who served aboard these Trim But Deadly ships. USS SLATER is a WWII era Destroyer Escort now serving as the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum in Albany, New York.

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Episodes

  1. Episode 45: USS EVERSOLE

    Send us Fan Mail USS EVERSOLE (DE-404) participated in the largest Naval battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. She was tasked with escorting Taffy 1 and moving to assist Taffy 3 after the famed Battle of Samar. Tragically just after the battle, she was torpedoed off the coast of Leyte and...

  2. Episode 44: USS WALTER S BROWN

    Send us Fan Mail USS WALTER S. BROWN (DE-258) battled German Aircraft that were equipped with bombs, torpedoes, and radio controlled glider bombs. She emerged unscathed and protected her convoy bravely. Hear the whole story this month on DE Classified. Follow along with our transcript and check…

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  3. Episode 43 - DE Genesis Story Part 3

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as we continue our discovery into how and why destroyer escorts came to be built during World War Two. This portion of the story focuses on the famed "4 Piper" destroyers - you don't want to miss this story! Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our...

  4. Episode 42: DE Genesis Story Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as we continue our discovery into how and why destroyer escorts came to be built during World War Two. This portion of the story focuses on the famed "4 Piper" destroyers - you don't want to miss this story! Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our...

  5. Episode 41: USS GILLIGAN

    Send us Fan Mail USS GILLIGAN DE-508, has a long and interesting history with her involvement in WWII and also her service as a training ship after the war had ended. She was involved in some of the most famous battles in World War II, was hit by a kamikaze and a torpedo, and still managed to...

  6. Episode 40: Destroyer Escort Genesis Story

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for a journey into how and why destroyer escorts came to be built during World War Two. With key characters like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill - you don't want to miss this story! Follow along with our transcript and check out…

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  7. Episode 39: USS BANGUST

    Send us Fan Mail USS BANGUST (DE-739) was awarded 11 Battle Stars throughout her career with the United States. She sank Japanese Submarine Ro-111, escorted Oilers as they refueled in the Pacific, rescued survivors on multiple occasions, accepted the surrender of Submarine I-14, and finally was...

  8. Episode 38: Destroyer Escorts of Taffy 3

    Send us Fan Mail The Battle of Leyte Gulf is considered to be the largest naval battle of WWII, with over 200,000 naval personnel involved. Though the US lost 6 ships in the entire battle, Japanese forces lost 26 vessels. Most importantly, the task group did protect the Invasion Force on Leyte…

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  9. Episode 37 Part 2: USS PETTIT

    Send us Fan Mail USS PETTIT (DE-253) was a Coast Guard manned, Edsall-Class destroyer escort which escorted convoys in the Atlantic protecting ships and chasing U-Boats. After V-E Day PETTIT also served in the Pacific Theatre and searched for possible allied survivors on various islands. The...

  10. Episode 37 Part 1: USS PETTIT

    Send us Fan Mail USS PETTIT (DE-253) was a Coast Guard manned, Edsall-Class destroyer escort which escorted convoys in the Atlantic protecting ships and chasing U-Boats. After V-E Day PETTIT also served in the Pacific Theatre and searched for possible allied survivors on various islands. The...

  11. Episode 36: USS FREDERICK C. DAVIS

    Send us Fan Mail USS FREDERICK C. DAVIS (DE-136) was an Edsall-Class destroyer escort which escorted convoys in the Atlantic protecting ships and chasing U-Boats. She was torpedoed while attacking U-546 and this is her story. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our…

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  12. Episode 35: USS RIDDLE

    Send us Fan Mail Earning 12 battle stars for her World War II service and surviving a Kamikaze attack, USS RIDDLE and her crew served with distinction during the war. She also went on to serve in the Cold War as KABYLE in the French Navy. Learn all about her history this month on DE Classified....

  13. Episode 34: USS GANDY

    Send us Fan Mail USS GANDY (DE-764) and her crew displayed courage in the face of fear and acted diligently just as the ship’s namesake, Andrew Jackson Gandy, Jr. had aboard USS SAN FRANCISCO. The ship was a significant part of the overall effort that would help the Allies win the Battle of the...

  14. Episode 33: USS MENGES

    Send us Fan Mail The story of USS MENGES (DE-320) demonstrates how meaningful these trim but deadly warships were. MENGES managed to save a multitude of sailors and fight against U-boats and Luftwaffe planes. Unfortunately she suffered at the hands of U-371, but thanks to her crew and inventive...

  15. Episode 32: USS BEGOR

    Send us Fan Mail USS BEGOR (APD-127) was built as a Destroyer Escort (DE-711) and quickly transferred into the High Speed Transport while under construction. APDs are a vital part of Destroyer Escort history as they kept the ship relevant and flexible to perform many tasks that were needed during...

  16. Episode 31: USS BRONSTEIN

    Send us Fan Mail USS BRONSTEIN (DE-189) was a cannon class destroyer escort. She was laid down on 26 August 1943 at the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., in Port Newark, New Jersey. She was launched and christened 14 November 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Dinah Bronstein-Kurz, mother of Dr....

  17. Episode 30: USS BROUGH

    Send us Fan Mail USS Brough’s career was not desultory by any means. In 25 months of active duty in World War II, 373 days were spent on patrol, with her guns manned and full watches always on high alert. She was brought back for further service to take part in several Deep Freeze operations and...

  18. Episode 29: The Capture of U-505

    Send us Fan Mail In June 1944 five Destroyer Escorts had a giant success in capturing German U-Boat 505. The capture was a huge development in the war, as the United States now had access to an Enigma Machine, acoustic torpedo, and submarine to study. DEs USS PILLSBURY (DE-133), USS POPE…

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  19. Episode 28: USS MOSLEY

    Send us Fan Mail USS MOSLEY DE-321 is an example of courage, determination, and tactical excellence that is evident in the fact that she earned two battle stars for her World War II service. She was one of the first DEs in a hunter killer group manned by Coast Guardsmen. She played a considerable...

  20. Episode 27: USS TOMICH

    Send us Fan Mail USS Tomich (DE-242) like her namesake served with great distinction. She guarded convoys across the Atlantic, fended off Axis air attacks and searched for U-boats along the East Coast. While this destroyer escort has a fascinating service history, there is more to the namesake’s...

  21. Episode 26: USS JANSSEN

    Send us Fan Mail USS JANSSEN (DE-396) encountered three different submarines during WWII, rescued sailors from one of them, including a spy! Hear the whole story on this episode of DE Classified. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear…

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  22. Episode 25: USS GEORGE A. JOHNSON

    Send us Fan Mail USS GEORGE A. JOHNSON was a WWII Destroyer Escort that survived kamikaze attacks, a training ship in the 12th Naval District throughout most of the 1950’s, the object of a short-lived property dispute that made national news, as well as an engineering first for the crew that...

  23. Episode 24: USS VANCE

    Send us Fan Mail As one of the few DEs to serve through World War II into the Vietnam War, USS VANCE (DE-387) has a story like no other. She braced the Atlantic to defend convoys against U-boats, spent months in chilly Antarctic waters as part of Operation Deep Freeze, and endured 99 days of...

  24. Episode 23: USS SANFRANCISCO

    Send us Fan Mail Frank Slater, our namesake, served aboard heavy cruiser USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38). He lost his life when a plane, already ignited, bore into the 20 mm battery he was manning. Frank and the rest of the gun crew were still firing when the plane smashed directly into their…

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  25. Episode 22: USS CECIL J. DOYLE

    Send us Fan Mail USS CECIL J DOYLE (DE-368) is a ship that was instrumental in rescuing the sailors from the worst naval disaster in US History, the USS INDIANAPOLIS. Not only did DOYLE's crew rescue 93 survivors, she also remained in the area to give final rites and sea burials to 21 sailors.…

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  26. Episode 21: USS AMICK

    Send us Fan Mail USS AMICK was involved in the sinking of the last U-Boat (U-853) during WWII off the coast of Rhode Island. Unfortunately for the crew that is a little known fact. The ship would go on to serve in the Japanese and Philippine navies before being scrapped in 1989. Join Viktor as he...

  27. Episode 20: USS SLATER Volunteers

    Send us Fan Mail For 25 years, USS SLATER (DE-766) has called Albany, NY home. At 78 years old, the SLATER, by all accounts, should not be around. She should be razorblades or home to ocean-life as an artificial reef. Designed and built cheaply during World War II, SLATER and her sister ship...

  28. Episode 19: USS HOLDER

    Send us Fan Mail USS HOLDER had a very eventful maiden voyage and finished her career with a different hull number painted on her bow. Hear the whole story with Andrew on this episode of DE Classified. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you...

  29. Episode 18: USS KIRK

    Send us Fan Mail During the "epic moment" of the evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, USS KIRK found herself in charge of refugees fleeing the country. Through this podcast, a documentary, a book, we can preserve her history, the stories of the many sailors who served aboard her…

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  30. Episode 17: USS STAFFORD

    Send us Fan Mail USS STAFFORD earned two battle stars during WWII. She served on anti-submarine duty in the Pacific, splashed planes, and took a Kamikaze hit. Listen to the story of the heroes at work. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you...

  31. Episode 16: USS ENGLAND

    Send us Fan Mail USS ENGLAND DE-635 is a record setting ship. Never before or since has a single ship sunk six submarines in 12 days. ENGLAND earned 10 battle stars for action in the Pacific until she was attacked by three kamikaze aircraft off Okinawa and hit by one of them on 9 May 1945. Hear…

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  32. Episode 15: Atherton

    Send us Fan Mail As another one of the last Destroyer Escorts in existence in the world, USS ATHERTON (BRP RAJAH HUMABON) has a fascinating story of sinking subs, including one of the last U-Boats sunk during WWII. The ship was still active in the Philippine Navy up until 2018 so she had over 75...

  33. Episode 14: SENEGALAIS

    Send us Fan Mail It was a warm, sunny day in 2015 when WWII Vet Carl Dize, stepped aboard USS SLATER and brought to our attention a severe misidentification of ships. What the world thought was the MENGES was not the MENGES at all and Mr. Dize gave us the evidence to back it up. Learn all about…

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  34. Episode 13: USS ULVERT M. MOORE

    Send us Fan Mail This month, we are aboard USS ULVERT M. MOORE, a DE that served in the Pacific Theatre of WWII and made six tours through the 1950's and the Korean War. She sunk subs, splashed planes, had a famous skipper, and may or may not have had an ice cream maker aboard. You'll have to...

  35. Episode 12: USS MASON

    Send us Fan Mail In honor of Black History Month, we are exploring the history of the USS MASON. USS MASON DE-529 was the first ship predominantly manned by African Americans during WWII. Join Xavi as he walks us through the decks of the MASON as her sailors were willing to make the ultimate...

  36. Episode 11: USS STEWART

    Send us Fan Mail This month Liam leads us on an exploration of USS STEWART, the only other Destroyer Escort in America. Her rich history starts in the Revolutionary War (with her namesake) and continues through present day. STEWART is open as a museum ship at the Galveston Naval Museum in...

  37. Episode 10: USS BASSETT

    Send us Fan Mail USS BASSETT DE-672 / APD-73 made her mark on history when her crew saved 150 sailors from the worst sea disaster in US Naval history. Her crew has been denied medals and recognition because of a "deal" made with the Navy. Many of the BASSETT crewmembers are fine without the…

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  38. Episode 9: USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS

    Send us Fan Mail Brace yourself, we are learning all about the Destroyer Escort who fought like a Battleship, USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS DE-413. The ship earned her fame in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944, when she and the other ships of Taffy 3 squared off against Japanese Battleships. This is one...

  39. Episode 8: Oxi Day

    Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode of DE Classified, we pay homage to USS SLATER's 40 years of service in the Greek Navy. Each year on October 28th we celebrate with Greeks all around the world, Oxi Day (pronounced ō-hē). In 1940 Mussolini delivered an ultimatum to Greece’s Prime...

  40. Episode 7: Navy Birthday

    Send us Fan Mail We've got a bonus episode of DE Classified for you in honor of the 246th birthday of the United States Navy! Take a trip through time with Liam as he gives you the highlights of the Navy's history. Support the show Thank you for listening to DE Classified and supporting USS…

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  41. Episode 6: USS ELDRIDGE

    Send us Fan Mail Buckle your life vests, today we take a trip back in time, though not literally, like the USS ELDRIDGE did in the 1984 movie, The Philadelphia Experiment. Although seemingly an ordinary vessel, the story of Eldridge is one marked by intrigue, mystery and conspiracy. Stick around...

  42. Episode 5: USS BUCKLEY

    Send us Fan Mail Don't blink, we've got 19 minutes to relive the attack that put USS BUCKLEY DE-51 on the map. Captain Abel gives an order that hadn't been issued in the U.S. Navy since 1814 "Standby to repel boarders." Learn how the sailors of the BUCKLEY defended their ship with anything they...

  43. Episode 4: USS RICHARD M. ROWELL

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what punishment you may have received if you were to fall asleep during your watch? In this episode of DE Classified we dive into the history of USS RICHARD M. ROWELL DE-403 and Cassidy will answer that burning question. She takes us through the Battle of…

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  44. Episode 3: USS LEOPOLD

    Send us Fan Mail Leapin’ Leo! Today we are digging into USS LEOPOLD DE-319. LEOPOLD is the first destroyer escort sunk during World War II and the largest combat loss in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard. While learning about LEOPOLD’s namesake we’ll hear about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, as...

  45. Episode 2: USS MITCHELL

    Send us Fan Mail USS MITCHELL DE-43 is an Evarts Class Destroyer Escort. She served in the Pacific Theatre of WWII and earned herself and impressive 9 Battle Stars! In this episode of DE Classified, you'll hear about MITCHELL'S time in the Pacific Fleet, how Pollywogs become Shellbacks, and how...

  46. Episode 1: USS SLATER

    Send us Fan Mail In episode 1 we explore what Destroyer Escorts are and why they were built. After we get a good grip on DEs, we’ll dive into the history of USS SLATER and how she became the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum. To learn more about SLATER and Destroyer Escorts visit ussslater.org.…

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  47. Intro to DE Classified

    Send us Fan Mail Hello everyone and welcome to DE Classified a podcast showcasing the history of Destroyer Escorts. Each month a member of the USS SLATER’s education crew will highlight a specific Destroyer Escort and share the stories of the sailors who served aboard these Trim But Deadly ships....

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to DE Classified a podcast showcasing the history of Destroyer Escorts. Each month a member of the USS SLATER’s education crew will highlight a specific Destroyer Escort and share the stories of the sailors who served aboard these Trim But Deadly ships. USS SLATER is a WWII era Destroyer Escort now serving as the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum in Albany, New York.

HOSTED BY

USS SLATER

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does DE Classified have?

DE Classified currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is DE Classified about?

Welcome to DE Classified a podcast showcasing the history of Destroyer Escorts. Each month a member of the USS SLATER’s education crew will highlight a specific Destroyer Escort and share the stories of the sailors who served aboard these Trim But Deadly ships. USS SLATER is a WWII era Destroyer...

How often does DE Classified release new episodes?

DE Classified has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to DE Classified?

You can listen to DE Classified on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts DE Classified?

DE Classified is created and hosted by USS SLATER.
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