The Untold Story: The Fall And Rise Of The Last Crew Of USS Frank Evans

They say history has a way of unraveling the most captivating stories. The tale of the last crew of USS Frank Evans is no exception. This forgotten chapter of naval history sheds light on the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of these men who faced both triumph and tragedy on the high seas.

The USS Frank Evans, a naval destroyer, was commissioned during the final years of World War II. It earned its stripes serving in various battles throughout the Pacific. The vessel played a crucial role in providing naval support during this tumultuous time.

However, the ship's destiny took a sharp turn on that fateful day - June 3, 1969. While participating in a joint exercise with the Australian navy, the USS Frank Evans was inadvertently struck by another vessel during a maneuver. The collision resulted in the ship being cleaved in half, sinking to the depths along with 74 brave sailors.

Unsinkable Sailors: The fall and rise of the last crew of USS Frank E. Evans

by Paul Sherbo(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	434 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	136 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The sinking of the USS Frank Evans was a tragedy that left a deep scar on the naval community. But what happened next is a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of the surviving crew members.

The Aftermath of Tragedy

With the ship lost and many lives tragically cut short, the crew members left behind had to confront the aftermath of the sinking. Struggling to come to terms with the loss of their comrades, they had to grapple with feelings of guilt, grief, and survivor's guilt.

However, rather than succumbing to despair, the crew members banded together, forming a tight-knit support network. United by their common experiences and the bonds forged through life at sea, they embarked on a journey to honor their fallen shipmates and ensure the lasting legacy of the USS Frank Evans.

The Battle for Recognition

One of the greatest challenges faced by the crew was the battle for recognition. Despite the valiant service and sacrifice of the men aboard USS Frank Evans, their names were not included in the official Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The crew members knew they had to fight for recognition, not just for themselves but for the fallen souls who could not fight alongside them. They tirelessly campaigned, holding protests, writing letters, and reaching out to veterans associations and government officials.

Their passion and determination did not go unnoticed. Eventually, in 1995, the names of the fallen crew members were added to the memorial, thanks to the tireless efforts of their surviving shipmates.

A Lifelong Bond

The last crew of the USS Frank Evans, although scattered across the country in the aftermath of the ship's sinking, stayed connected. They formed an unbreakable bond that lasted for decades.

Organizing reunions, sharing stories, and supporting one another became a way of life for these men. They found solace in the company of those who truly understood the weight of their experiences. Together, they ensured that the legacy of the USS Frank Evans and its crew would never be forgotten.

The Phoenix Rises

In recent years, efforts to commemorate the USS Frank Evans and its crew have taken a remarkable turn. With the help of various organizations and individuals committed to preserving naval history, a memorial at Frankston Pier in Victoria, Australia, now stands as a tribute.

The memorial serves as a physical manifestation of the crew's resilience and unwavering spirit. It is a testament to their bravery and the ultimate sacrifice they made for their country.

The fall and rise of the last crew of USS Frank Evans is a story that deserves to be told. Through tragedy, loss, and adversity, these men banded together and fought for recognition and remembrance. Their perseverance ensures that the legacy of the USS Frank Evans and its crew will live on, inspiring future generations to understand the price of freedom and the bonds that hold us together.

Unsinkable Sailors: The fall and rise of the last crew of USS Frank E. Evans

by Paul Sherbo(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	434 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	136 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

June 2009 marked the fortieth anniversary of the sinking of the United States Ship Frank E. Evans (DD-754),a Navy destroyer that suffered catastrophic damage and horrendous loss of life on 3 June 1969 when an aircraft carrier, the Australian HMAS Melbourne, collided with Evans during a naval training exercise at sea. Operating as part of a combined force with the Royal Australian Navy and other allied naval ships, the Evans executed a starboard turn into the path of Melbourne at 0315 on that fateful morning, and was cut in half by the heavier and larger war ship. Evans’ severed bow sank almost immediately taking 73 unfortunate crewmembers with it. Only one body was recovered in the aftermath of the collision, bringing the total lost to 74. Out of the 273 crewmembers on board, 199 survived.

The broken off stern section remained afloat.

Before the collision, Evans served in World War II, in the Korean War and briefly in Viet Nam. Commissioned in 1945 near the end of WWII, she was assigned escort and radar picket duty in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, Evans patrolled the Yellow Sea, assisted with the embarkation of American POWs from Manchuria and helped to provide cover for the occupation landings in Korea. In March of 1946, she arrived in San Francisco, California and on 14 December 1949, she was decommissioned and assigned into the reserve fleet.
Re-commissioned on 15 September in 1950 for the Korean War, Evans then joined the 7th Fleet and began the siege of Wonsan, engaging enemy shore batteries. She also participated in rescuing downed pilots and coordinated bombing missions by United Nations aircraft all across Korea. On her second Korean tour, she served on both patrol and bombardment duty.

After the Korean War, from 1954 through 1960, Evans completed five tours of duty to the Far East as well as joining training exercises along the west coast of the United States and the Hawaiian Islands, often combined with the Canadian Navy.