USS Frank E Evans Association DD 754

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USS Frank E Evans Association DD 754

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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.

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.

10/30/2026

Today’s October 30th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Douglas Roy Meister. Douglas, known as Doug, was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Roy and Bernice Meister. He had three brothers, Gary, Roy and Russell and a sister Patricia.

He graduated from Redford Union High School, Redford, Michigan.

Doug entered the Navy at Livonia, Michigan on 12 April 1968. He went to boot camp at NTC San Diego, CA, graduating on 23 October 1968.

After graduating and two weeks leave, SA Meister reported for duty aboard USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 5 Novem ber 1968. He was assigned to the 1st Division where was striking for Boatswain Mate (BM).

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

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

10/27/2026

Today’s October 27th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Joe Luis Gonzales. Joe was born at Memorial Hospital in Clovis, New Mexico, to Valentine and Eloise Gonzales. He had eight siblings: brothers Emilio, Alphonso, Ale, and Robert and sisters Mary, Margie, Christine and Frances. He graduated from Clovis High School and worked with the Job Corps in Trenton, New Jersey

Joe entered the Navy in Clovis on 3 September 1968. He went to boot camp at NTC San Diego, CA. After graduation from boot camp on 12 November 1968, Joe reported to the Naval Administrative Command as a Mess Man (working in the Chow Hall), serving there until 31 March 1969. After two weeks leave, SA Gonzales reported aboard USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 14 April 1969 where he served for 50 days.

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

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

10/25/2026

Until next year...

10/24/2026

Today’s October 24h birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) James William Kerr. James, known as Jim, was born in Los Angeles, California, to James and Fern Kerr. He had an older sister, Geraldine and younger brother, Fred. He grew up in Glendale, CA. and graduated from Hoover High School on 12 June 1968 where he played baseball as pitcher and 1st base. He was scouted by St. Louis Cardinals, but they lost interest when they found out he was going into the service.

Jim worked part time in a dental lab. He wanted to become a dentist, and the dentist at the lab agreed to back him if he agreed to back someone after he became a dentist. However, before he committed to anything, he took a year off to travel.

Jim entered the Navy on 25 February 1969. He went to boot camp at NTC San Diego, CA. After graduation from boot camp and the two weeks leave, he knew he was headed for operations off the coast of Vietnam and had to meet up with the ship in Subic Bay, Philippines.

After taking a flight from Travis Air Force Base to Hawaii and then on to Subic Bay, Philippines, he reported aboard USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) on 17 May 1969 where he served for 17 days.

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

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

10/23/2026

Update on getting the 74 names on the wall Tim Wendler

10/23/2026

Interview with Louise Esola. She wrote a book about the collision. You can buy her book on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0ckhyN1e

10/23/2026

Day 2

10/22/2026

Day 1...

10/18/2026

Just 3 days left until the FEE Reunion!
Safe travels to everyone heading to San Antonio.

10/16/2026

Today’s October 16th birthday belongs to Seaman Apprentice (SA) Timothy Lynn Miller. Timothy, known as Tim, was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Donald and Patricia Miller. He had one brother, Terry and four sisters, Tanaya, Tawanna, Sue and Carol.

Tim entered the Navy on 28 February 1969 at Lansing, Michigan. On 17 May 1969, Tim was received for duty aboard USS FRANK E EVANS (DD 754) in Subic Bay, PI. He served for 17 days.
At the time of the collision Tim was sleeping in 1st Division, forward of and one deck below the mess decks.

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

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2286 Morgan Road
Carlsbad, CA
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Website

http://USSFEE.ORG/

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