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.
On June 6, Papillion, Nebraska unveiled a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A wall was dedicated to the 74. (see attached). It is a very impressive memorial and highly recommended to go and visit.
The memorial service on June 3 for Gurnee, Illinois was canceled. Julie and I could not let the day go by without recognizing “The Lost 74.” We stopped by with a plant and found the cemetery had placed the flags. Susie Covert and Julie Moreland, widow and daughter of LTJG Jeff Covert 1967-1969
On June 6, 2024, the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans memorial will be dedicated in Papillion, Nebraska. Not only will those from Nebraska be honored but a separate panel of the lost 74 names is also included with the memorial.
The organizing committee is starting to make their plans and would like to know who from the Frank E Evans Association is planning to attend.
Please complete the attached form and provide back to Steve Kraus via email at kraussa754@gmail.com
Please keep up your efforts to contact your Congressmember and urge support for HR3826 which would add the names of our Lost 74 Heroes to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. I’m happy to answer any questions you have on how to make this happen.
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.
