USS Frank E. Evans Association

Category: Memorials

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

Lost 74 / Memorials / Project 74

June 3, 2024 Memorials – Photos & News Coverage

Nebraska Memorial

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.

KETV Coverage: ‘Forgotten Four’ remembered: New memorial to honor Vietnam War veterans left off national wall. (The video includes our own Linda Vaa.)

KETV Coverage: Chronicle: Nebraska’s Vietnam War Memorial

Gurnee, IL Memorial

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

Long Beach Memorial

Lost 74 / Memorials / News & Updates

Update: Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication

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

Steve needs the information no later than Jan 30

Please fill out the form here – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfx6xbO8D1eK5yToW1btv9-_sXh_34G1uX3MIkuihbCCFv0zg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link