Two pipefitter welder members of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 7, Albany, NY, Dave Wasson and Daniel Statile, volunteered their time to help restore the USS SlaterDE766, the last destroyer escorts till afloat in the U.S., moored on the Hudson River in Albany. The USS Slater DE766 is a cannon class destroyer escort that served in the United States Navy during World War II. The USS Slater has undergone an extensive restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory with the help of Brothers Wasson and Statile. The ship has a museum and offers guided tours from April through December. Brother Statile’s late father was also a member of Local 7 and served on the USSFowler DE222in World War II. Brother Statile is a third-generation member of Local 7 with58 years of service, and Brother Wasson is a 41-year member.
