As many of you are aware, Bill Thibeault has made a film, “Seventy-Four” to tell the story of the USS Frank E. Evans. As with any tragedy, a film about an event such as this can cause many reactions. For some, it is a painful reminder of a time they wish they could forget, while for others it can be a source of healing to have the story told. There are no easy answers for the survivors and family members of those that were lost – ultimately, each person must decide for themselves what place this tragedy holds in their lives.
The time to recognize the names of the 74 sailors who lost their lives on the USS Frank E. Evans is long overdue. On June 3, 1969, the USS Evans collided with the HMAS Melbourne during Operation Sea Spirit in the South China Sea, leading to the loss of those sailors. When the Vietnam War Memorial was erected in Washington D.C., the names of those 74 sailors were left off the Memorial. The USS Frank E. Evans Association has been fighting for years to correct this wrong.
For this session of Congress, proposed legislation has bi-partisan support. The House of Representatives is considering HR3826, the USS Frank E. Evans Act:
Introduced by Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Co Sponsored by:
Kelly Armstrong (R-ND)
Joe Courtney (D-CT)
Pete Stauber (R-MN)
Mike Levin (D-CA)
Judy Chu (D-28)
Mike Thompson (D-4)
Don Bacon (R-NE)
Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Mike Flood (R-NE)
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Current Status: HR3826 has been referred to both the Committee on the Armed Services and the Committee on Natural Resources/Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
The US Senate is considering Amendment 2207 to S4638 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The Amendment was submitted by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The amendment is currently in a “Proposed” status, and is one of 1171 potential amendments to the NDAA.
Contact Your Legislators
Please reach out to your Congressperson and Senator(s). Encourage them to support the legislative actions now in front of them. We’ve made it easy for you – you can send a letter right from our website. We also ask that you sign our petition to the the Senate Armed Forces Committee.
The California legislature has approved the naming of the Highway 1 & Interstate 710 interchange and bridge in Long Beach! This interchange & bridge are a fitting memorial of the 74 sailors lost on June 3, 1969 when the USS Frank E. Evans fatefully collided with the HMAS Melbourne while serving with the Pacific fleet during the Vietnam War. Long Beach was the USS Evans homeport, and once the signage is in place, thousands of drivers will be reminded every day of their sacrifice.
While the renaming of the bridge and interchange have been approved, it is up to the USS Frank E. Evans Association to pay for the new signage. To contribute to the fund for the signage, please donate here! And whether you donate or not, please share on your social media channels to help us raise awareness! We appreciate any support you can provide.
In Memoriam for the sailors, family members, and friends of the USS Frank E. Evans that we have lost in the last year, as played at the Memorial Ceremony for the Reunion in Spokane.
Airman First Class Joe Watt (USAF) age 82 (father of member Lisa Watt and grandfather of members Xiola Watt, Julliette Darcey and Ronan Darling) passed away on 18 July 2024 in Hemet, California. In the last few years Joe battled throat cancer and many other health issues. A military burial will take place in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Riverside California at a future date to be determined.
Most of you are not aware that Joe was responsible for reaching out to our association to place a memorial tile on American Legion Post 149’s Honor and Remembrance Wall in 2010. Little did we know that that tile would draw the interest of a young newspaper reporter (Louise Esola) who would soon write her first book “American Boys.”
Our Association thanks Joe for his constant support of the USS Frank E. Evans Association and the “Lost 74”. Condolences can be sent to his daughter; Lisa Watt via email to: lisajanewatt@gmail.com
This website is dedicated to the men who served aboard the USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754), including those who were lost on 3 June 1969, and to the families and friends of those fine sailors.
This website is dedicated to the men who served aboard the USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754), including those who were lost on 3 June 1969, and to the families and friends of those fine sailors.
