HMS Slinger (D26) was a notable Ruler-class escort carrier constructed during World War II, originally built in the United States as USS Chatham (CVE-32). She was laid down at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Yard, Hull #27, and was fitted out in Portland, Oregon. The ship was transferred to the United Kingdom under lend-lease on 11 August 1943 and was renamed HMS Slinger. As a Ruler-class escort carrier, she was larger and had a greater aircraft capacity than earlier American escort carriers, with a length of approximately 492 feet 3 inches (150.0 meters) and a beam of 69 feet 6 inches (21.2 meters). Her design included a single shaft propulsion system powered by two boilers and a steam turbine, producing 9,350 shaft horsepower, enabling her to reach a maximum speed of 16.5 knots. The vessel's complement was typically 646 men. HMS Slinger was equipped with a flight deck featuring a small combined bridge and flight control on the starboard side, two aircraft lifts measuring 43 by 34 feet, one aircraft catapult, and nine arrestor wires for landing operations. Her hangar below the flight deck measured approximately 260 by 62 feet, accommodating up to 24 aircraft, which could include fighters such as the Hawker Sea Hurricane, Grumman Martlet, or Vought F4U Corsair, as well as anti-submarine aircraft like the Fairey Swordfish or Grumman Avenger. Her armament comprised dual-purpose guns, including two 4-inch or 5-inch guns, sixteen 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns, and twenty 20mm Oerlikon cannons. HMS Slinger’s service history included involvement in the Pacific Fleet as a replenishment vessel, carrying spare aircraft, and she was recognized with the battle honour ‘Okinawa,’ despite her indirect participation. She was also active in supporting operations around Hong Kong and transported civilians from internment camps. After the war, she was returned to US custody in 1946, sold, and converted by Robin Line, emerging as the merchant ship Robin Mowbray in 1946. She was eventually scrapped in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, around 1969-1970, marking the end of her maritime service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.