USS Frank E. Evans Association

Author: Larisa Reilly-Thomas

Lost 74 / Memorials / Project 74

Remembering the USS Frank E. Evans: A Call to Action

We need your help.

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.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington DC by Scarlet Sappho
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington DC by Scarlet Sappho, Some rights reserved

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.

Email Your Congressperson
Email Your Senators
Sign Our Petition to the Senate Armed Services Committee

Time is of the Essence

The current legislative session ends in January.

Please act today – and share with any family & friends who are also willing to support our efforts.

Find information on current legislative actions related to the USS Frank E. Evans Project 74 to add the names to the Vietnam Wall Memorial here.

Lost 74 / Memorials

Support the Lost 74 Memorial Bridge Signage Fund

Exciting News!

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.

Lost 74 Memorial Bridge & Interchange

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.

Donate today

Reunions

2023 Reunion Video

As you finalize your plans for this year’s reunion in Spokane, here’s a look back at last year’s reunion, hosted in Springfield, Illinois.

In Memoriam / News & Updates

Joe Watt

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