USS Frank E. Evans DD-754
Message Board

3.
Oct. 2, 2018

I was on the Evans for two years prior to the incident. I left the ship prior to their sailing for WesPac. I knew both Chief Hospital Corpsman Charles W. Cannington and Chief Boatswain's Mate Willie L. King (both lost) and they were exceptional men. Willie King had just been promoted to Chief Boatswain, quite an accomplishment for an African-American sailor during those years. It was very sad to lose so many good men and "none" are recognized by Congress for their service in Vietnam. The ship had just recently left the gun line for a short operation with the Australians.

Charles E. Carroll, MMCM, USN Retired


2.
May 18, 2011

I am the son of Garry B. Hodgson. Whom lost his life on the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans in the South China Sea on June 3, 1969. I have heard of a trust fund or benefits plan that was set up by the Australian government for the dependents of the victims and I was hoping someone could guide me to the appropriate contact info so that my
siblings and I could get more information. Thank you for your time.


Mark B. Hodgson
Reno, Nevada


1.
Oct. 29, 2008

I was stationed aboard the USS Kearsarge from 1967 to 1970. We were operating with HMAS Melbourne when the collision took place with the USS Frank E. Evans. I wasn't actually involved in bringing survivors onboard. I do remember being woke up that morning by a friend who said that the Evans had just been sunk. I told him to leave me alone and quit fooling around.  He said he was serious and we should go top side to help. I thought he
was joking.

I got out of my rack and we hurried to the hanger deck. There were sailors everywhere helping survivors come aboard. Some of them were dressed and some weren't. Some were caught in showers. It was unbelievable. I looked out the elevator opening and could see the Evans and Everett Larson. The photo of that is on your website. That photo was in my mind for almost 40 years. 

The Evans aft section had been tied to the Larson and would eventually be towed to Subic Bay and put into dry dock. The Melbourne was anchored close by and you could just make out the damage to her. It was an eerie morning because the sea was like a mirror. It was so calm. I don't remember many times that it was like that. 

We went to see the remains of the Evans when it was in dry dock in Subic Bay. It looked like someone had taken a hacksaw and cut it in half. The cut was almost perfect. I think they eventually towed her out to sea and sunk her. It was an unfortunate tragedy. I will remember it always. 

There are probably not too many people who even know it happened. I have mentioned it to people who never heard of it. Someone should remember. Lives were lost. Thank you for remembering. Sorry I could not give you more information. Aside from that tragic day, I had a good time with you guys. After we got done trading uniforms, you couldn't tell the Aussies from the Yanks.

Keep up the good work,
Jack White

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Page published Jan. 8, 2009