John Drake Sloat, namesake USS Sloat DE-245 and DD-3316. John Drake Sloat was born in Sloatbury, N.Y., on 26 July 1781 and was appointed Midshipman in the United States Navy on 12 February 1800. He was sailing master of United States under Commodore Decatur and was promoted to Lieutenant for conspicuous gallantry in the capture of HMS Macedonian on 25 October 1812. He cruised in Grampus, Franklin, Washington, and St. Louis, between 1815 and 1831 and commanded the Pacific Squadron between 1844 and 1846, rendering efficient service on the coast of California in the early part of the Mexican War. Under his direction, the American flag was hoisted on 7 July 1846 above Monterey, symbolizing the conquest of that part of California by the United States. He subsequently held a number of commands ashore including making the plans for the Mare Island Navy Yard and directing the construction of the Stevens Battery in 1855. He was appointed Rear Admiral on the retired list on 25 July 1866 and died at New Brighton, Staten Island, N.Y., on 28 November 1867.
USS Sloat (DE 245) (1943-1947) was the second ship named in his honor, preceded by DD 316 (1920-1930).