DE Classified

Episode 34: USS GANDY

April 12, 2024 04:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

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 Atlantic and played a crucial role in the occupation forces in the Far East. GANDY’s crew experienced direct combat with a U-boat but it was through such actions that they understood the purpose of their duty and the ...

Episode 33: USS MENGES

March 15, 2024 04:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

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 shipyard workers, she was able to set sail once again. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. Other ships mentioned in this episode that we have already covered in DE Classified: ...

Episode 32: USS BEGOR

February 16, 2024 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

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 WWII and beyond. Capital region locals will be satisfied to know that USS BEGOR’s namesake was a Union College graduate before being killed in action during WWII. The ship named in his honor would serve during WWII,...

Episode 31: USS BRONSTEIN

January 19, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

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. Bronstein. The vessel was commissioned on 13 December 1943, Lt. Sheldon Hoard Kinney (1918-2004) in command. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are ab...

Episode 30: USS BROUGH

December 07, 2023 20:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

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 provide assistance to U.S. garrisons in the Antarctic being resupplied. In the many years spent in Key West, countless naval officers and servicemen received ASW training from her or alongside her. She earned numerou...

Episode 29: The Capture of U-505

October 06, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

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 (DE-134), USS FLAHERTY (DE-135), USS CHATELAIN (DE-149), and USS JENKS (DE-665) made up Escort Division 4 and worked together to capture the U-Boat. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. ...

Episode 28: USS MOSLEY

June 30, 2023 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

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 part in the crumbling of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine. She battled enemies from the sea and skies, and proved Destroyer Escorts unbeatable in convoy protection. Follow along with our transcript and check out the...

Episode 27: USS TOMICH

May 26, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

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 story and his medal looking for his kin. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every d...

Episode 26: USS JANSSEN

April 28, 2023 10:00 - 11 minutes - 8.16 MB

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 and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every dollar we are given! Donations are used to restore, preserve, and educate the public about USS SLATER and Destroyer Escorts. USS SLATER is a...

Episode 25: USS GEORGE A. JOHNSON

March 17, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

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 scrapped her on a beach. Tune in this month to DE Classified to hear the story of the DE who made her last stand on the beaches of Pacifica. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our...

Episode 24: USS VANCE

February 24, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 59.5 MB

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 command under one the most cantankerous commanding officers the US Navy had ever seen. Follow along and listen to some extraordinary and occasionally ludicrous stories on this episode of DE Classified. Follow along with...

Episode 23: USS SANFRANCISCO

January 27, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

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 positions. The fuselage warped the splinter plating and the wings splashed flaming gasoline over the ship. The burning Betty caromed off SAN FRANCISCO's superstructure and splashed into the sea. The dead included every member...

Episode 22: USS CECIL J. DOYLE

December 30, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

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. The bravery exhibited by the USS Cecil J. Doyle and the other ships involved in the rescue efforts is indicative of the bravery shown by sailors across the U.S. Navy during World War II. All destroyer escorts have a st...

Episode 21: USS AMICK

November 18, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

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 guides us through her history. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every dollar w...

Episode 20: USS SLATER Volunteers

October 30, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

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 destroyer escorts were meant to serve in a temporary capacity protecting merchant vessels and other warships as they transited the oceans. At no point in their construction was thought given to preservation as a museum. ...

Episode 19: USS HOLDER

September 16, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MB

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 hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every dollar we are given! Donations are used to restore, preserve, and educate the public about USS SLATER and Destroyer Escorts. USS SLATER ...

Episode 18: USS KIRK

August 19, 2022 09:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MB

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 and the thousands of refugees she helped save. Despite being designed for warfare, it seems that Kirk was much better at saving lives. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If yo...

Episode 17: USS STAFFORD

July 22, 2022 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

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 hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every dollar we are given! Donations are used to restore, preserve, and educate the public about USS SLATER and Destroyer Escorts. USS SLAT...

Episode 16: USS ENGLAND

June 24, 2022 19:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

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 the full story with John in this month's episode of DE Classified. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donat...

Episode 15: Atherton

May 20, 2022 18:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

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 years of service under her belt. Join Liam as he escorts you through her story. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by le...

Episode 14: SENEGALAIS

April 22, 2022 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

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 how we righted this wrong on this month’s episode on the French Destroyer Escort, SENEGALAIS. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to hel...

Episode 13: USS ULVERT M. MOORE

March 11, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 50 MB

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 listen to find out! Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every dollar we are given! Don...

Episode 12: USS MASON

February 11, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

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 sacrifice for a country that saw them as less than human. One of her sailors remarked “I had to come all the way across the ocean to a foreign country before I got to enjoy the feeling of being an American.” Follow al...

Episode 11: USS STEWART

January 14, 2022 05:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

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 Galveston, Texas. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by leaving a donation, we appreciate every dollar we are given! Donation...

Episode 10: USS BASSETT

December 17, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MB

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 medals, because they know the heroism that took place that night. Now, its time you know too. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos on our website. If you like what you hear and are able to help us...

Episode 9: USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS

November 24, 2021 20:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

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 story you don't want to miss! If you'd like to learn more about the Sammy B. and her friends be sure to check out Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, also available as a graphic novel. Follow along with our transcrip...

Episode 8: Oxi Day

October 27, 2021 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

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 Minister demanding the entry of the Italian army and the occupation of Greek territory. The Prime Minister refused, and the response was quickly echoed by the people of Athens as “Oxi,” meaning “No.” The Italian force...

Episode 7: Navy Birthday

October 13, 2021 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

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

Episode 6: USS ELDRIDGE

October 08, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

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 till the end of the episode to hear the baffling story behind one of history’s greatest conspiracy theories, as we uncover the truth behind the tale. Follow along with our transcript and check out the photos below....

Episode 5: USS BUCKLEY

September 09, 2021 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

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 could get their hands on including hammers, empty projectiles, and coffee cups. If you’d like to follow along while you listen, use the transcript and bibliography and take a look at some photos of BUCKLEY. If you ...

Episode 4: USS RICHARD M. ROWELL

August 13, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

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 the Coral Sea with ROWELL's namesake, then into instances of Friendly Fire during WWII, and finally a deep dive into ROWELL's Punishment Log. If you like what you hear and are able to help us out by leaving a dona...

Episode 3: USS LEOPOLD

July 16, 2021 14:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

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 well as USS JOYCE’s efforts to rescue LEOPOLD’s crew. If you’d like to follow along while you listen, use the transcript and bibliography. There are very few photos of LEOPOLD, but we’ve tried our best to provide some...

Episode 2: USS MITCHELL

June 25, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB

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 Ulithi Atoll became a sailors home away from home while in port. For more information head to https://ussslater.org/de-classified. Help support USS SLATER and DE Classified by making a donation to our Education Fun...

Episode 1: USS SLATER

May 14, 2021 18:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

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. If you like what you hear and want to help us ensure DE Classified continues, please leave a donation and support USS SLATER! Support the show

Intro to DE Classified

April 29, 2021 16:00 - 4 minutes - 3.33 MB

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. Support the show

Episodes