USS Frank E Evans Association DD 754

USS Frank E Evans Association DD 754 Visit the USS Frank E. Evans DD 754 web site for further information: www.ussfee.org 1969 - The USS FRANK E. She again sailed for the Far East 19 March 1969. Mrs.
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EVANS completed readiness training along the western seaboard. She arrived at Yokosuka 26 April 1969 and put to sea 30 April 1969 to operate off the Coast of Vietnam with KEARSARGE (CVS 33) Anti-submarine Task Group. Following this duty she proceeded to Subic Bay in the Philippines,arriving 17 May 1969. Here, she joined in preparation for Southeast Asia Treaty Organization maneuvers and exercises

in waters reaching to Thailand. On 26 May 1969 she departed in the screen of the Australian anti-submarine warfare carrier HMAS MELBOURNE ( R 21) bound towards Thailand. FRANK E. EVANS was steaming in a darkened condition in the early morning darkness of 3 June 1969, engaged in "Operation Sea Spirit" with more than 40 ships of SEATO nations. In the action of taking a new station 1,000 yards astern of HMASMELBOURNE, the two ships were soon on collision course. The Australian carrier ripped the American destroyer in two. Only the stern section remained floating. Seventy-four men lost their lives when FRANK E. EVANS was cut in two or perished when her bow section sank in only three minutes. Among those lost were the three Sage brothers from Niobrara, Nebraska: Gary 22, Gregory 21, and Kelly, 19. Linda Sage, wife of Gregory, did not blame anyone for the tragic loss: "It was their wish that they serve together. That 's the way they wanted it and that's the way we accepted it." EVANS’ 199 survivors boarded HMAS MELBOURNE and soon transferred to KEARSARGE (CVS-33).A salvage party from EVERETT F. LARSON (DD-830) brought flooding under control before the stern section was taken in tow by fleet tug TAWASA (AFT 92) for Subic Bay in the Philippines. EVANS arrived at Subic Bay 9 June 1969. Her stern section was stripped in floating dry dock WINDSOR (ARD 22) and she decommissioned 1 July 1969. Her name was struck from the Navy List the same day. The hulk of her stern section was sunk in fleet target practice.

Today’s June 9th birthday belongs to SA Alan Carl Flummer. Alan was born Alan Carl Yeager in Fort Lewis, Washington, to ...
06/09/2026

Today’s June 9th birthday belongs to SA Alan Carl Flummer. Alan was born Alan Carl Yeager in Fort Lewis, Washington, to Leo and Alice Yeager. At an early age Alan was adopted by Alice’s new husband, Ralph Flummer. He had several brothers and sisters.

Alan enlisted in the Navy on 17 February 1969 in Oakland, California, and went to boot camp at NTC San Diego. He served in the same company as fellow shipmate, and one of the lost 74, SA Joe Eddie Craig. Both Alan and Joe reported for duty on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) on 17 May 1969 at Subic Bay, PI, and served for 17 days.

At the time of the collision Alan was asleep in 1st Division, forward of and one deck below the mess decks.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, Alan. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

Today’s June 8th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Henry Dennis West III. Henry, known to all as Denny, was bor...
06/08/2026

Today’s June 8th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Henry Dennis West III. Henry, known to all as Denny, was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to Henry and Annie West. He was raised in Bowman, SC and had five siblings: Donald, Talley, Jane, Susan, and Becky. Denny had several close friends that he played golf, basketball and football with. He was a 4-H club member and worked as a lifeguard. While in high school he drove a school bus. He graduated from Bowman High School and attended Abraham Baldwin College in Charleston.

Denny enlisted in the Navy Reserves on 19 April 1968 and went on active-duty 16 October 1968 reporting boot camp at NTC San Diego. Following graduation and leave, SA West reported for duty on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) on 5 November 1968.

At the time of the collision Denny was asleep in 1st Division, forward of and one deck below the mess decks.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, Denny. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

Today’s June 7th birthday belongs to Seaman (SN) Francis Joseph Garcia. Francis was born in San Francisco, California, t...
06/07/2026

Today’s June 7th birthday belongs to Seaman (SN) Francis Joseph Garcia. Francis was born in San Francisco, California, to Kenneth and Victoria Garcia. He had one brother and three sisters.

He enlisted in the Navy on 6 October 1967 in San Francisco and went to boot camp at USNTC San Diego, graduating 2 February 1968. On 16 March 1968 Francis reported aboard USS GRIDLEY (DLG 21). Now a Seaman (SN), he was transferred to USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) on 23 September 1968.

At the time of the collision Francis was on watch on the bridge as Helmsman.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, Francis. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

Today’s June 6th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Dennis Ralph Johnston. Dennis was born in Tarrytown, New Yor...
06/06/2026

Today’s June 6th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Dennis Ralph Johnston. Dennis was born in Tarrytown, New York, to Ralph and Edna Johnston. He had two sisters and four brothers.

He enlisted in the Navy on 13 August 1968 at Indianapolis, Indiana and went to boot camp at USNTC San Diego.
Dennis graduated 23 October 1968 and was assigned temporary duty at Recruit Training Command until 6 March 1969. Dennis reported for duty on board USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 7 March 1969 where he served for 88 days.

At the time of the collision, he was sleeping in 1st Division, forward of and one deck below the mess decks.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, Dennis. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

Information packets for this year’s reunions will be mailed out in the next few weeks. Please keep an eye on your mailbo...
06/04/2026

Information packets for this year’s reunions will be mailed out in the next few weeks. Please keep an eye on your mailbox so you don’t miss anything.

We’re looking forward to gathering once again in:

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
📅 OCTOBER 21–24, 2026

It’s going to be another meaningful time of remembrance, connection, and honoring our Lost 74.

If we do not have your address, please email us at [email protected]

Fair winds and following seas. 🌊⚓

⚓June 3rd — A Day Our Evans Family Never Forgets⚓Each year, this date brings us together in remembrance of the 74 young ...
06/03/2026

⚓June 3rd — A Day Our Evans Family Never Forgets⚓

Each year, this date brings us together in remembrance of the 74 young men who never came home. They were sons, brothers, husbands, and friends — and they remain part of our Evans family forever.

To the families of the 74, to the survivors, and to everyone who carries this story in their heart — we stand with you today!

We remember. We honor. We will always tell their story.

Today’s June 3rd birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Devere Ray Grissom, Jr. Devere was born in Los Angeles, Cali...
06/03/2026

Today’s June 3rd birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Devere Ray Grissom, Jr. Devere was born in Los Angeles, California, to Devere Sr, and Mildred Grissom. He graduated from Covina High School, Covina, CA. He had a sister Irene.

He enlisted in the Navy on 7 February 1969 in Los Angeles and went to boot camp at USNTC San Diego and graduated on 29 April 1969.

After his home leave, Devere was sent to Subic Bay, PI, and reported for duty on board USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 20 May 1969, where he served for 14 days.

At the time of the collision, he was sleeping in 1st Division, forward of and one deck below the mess decks. It was his 19th birthday.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, Devere. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

Today’s June 2nd birthday belongs to Electronics Technician Radar 3rd class (ETR3) James Wilburn Davis. James, who was c...
06/02/2026

Today’s June 2nd birthday belongs to Electronics Technician Radar 3rd class (ETR3) James Wilburn Davis. James, who was called J.W. (by friends and shipmates) or Dubbie (by his family), was born in Springfield, Missouri, to Cecil and Velma Davis. He had two sisters, Clara and Neldean.

J.W enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and accordion. He also sang in a gospel quartet called “The Melodaires.”

J.W. graduated from Central High School in Springfield and attended Southwest Missouri State University.
He enlisted in the Navy on 9 August 1967 and went to boot camp at USNTC Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduation, J.W. attended ET “A” School. He graduated as Electronics Technician – Radar Seaman Apprentice (ETRSA) on 27 November 1968. J.W. reported for duty on board USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 15 February 1969. He worked on the electronics part of the radar systems and was promoted to ETR3.

At the time of the collision J.W. was sleeping in OI Division, one deck below the mess decks.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, J.W. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

Missouri - June 3rd Anniversary Ceremony, – 10amMt. Washington Forever Cemetery, 614 S. Brookside Avenue, Independence M...
06/01/2026

Missouri - June 3rd Anniversary Ceremony, – 10am
Mt. Washington Forever Cemetery, 614 S. Brookside Avenue, Independence MO

Today’s May 30th birthday belongs to Ensign (ENS) Gregory Koichi Ogawa. Gregory, known as Greg, was born in Cleveland, O...
05/30/2026

Today’s May 30th birthday belongs to Ensign (ENS) Gregory Koichi Ogawa. Gregory, known as Greg, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Howard and Tena Ogawa. His family moved to San Mateo, California when Greg was a young boy. He was an explorer scout and graduated an honor student from San Mateo High School.

He joined the Navy Reserves at San Mateo, California, on 11 April 1966, and served as a Seaman on board USS COWELL (DD 547), home ported at Hunter’s Point, San Francisco. He then went to San Jose State where he graduated with a degree in mathematics. Greg then went to Officer Candidate School, New Port, Rhode Island. In February 1969, he was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy Reserves. On 2 February 1969 ENS Ogawa married his college sweetheart, Rosalie Asito.

Greg reported aboard USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 17 April 1969, where he served for 47 days.

At the time of the collision, ENS Ogawa was sleeping in the Junior Officer Quarters, forward of the mess decks on the starboard side. All four officers were trapped and perished.

Rest in the arms of the Lord, Greg. Your family, friends and shipmates still love and miss you.

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2286 Morgan Road
Carlsbad, CA
92008

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