The City of Long Beach and the USS Frank E. Evans Association are set to host a Memorial Day commemoration this Saturday to honor the 74 sailors, also known as the “Lost 74,” who died on the USS Frank E. Evans warship.
In May 1969, the USS Frank E. Evans departed its homeport in Long Beach, cruising on the coast of Vietnam, when an Australian aircraft carrier struck the Evans and cut it in half. The Lost 74 were killed while the remaining 199 survivors were transferred to a safer location.
A photo of half of the USS Frank E. Evans after the ship was split in half by a collision with the Australian HMAS Melbourne (Courtesy of USS Franks E. Evans Association)
The free event will feature a bell ceremony, a tribute led by survivors and families and a water cannon salute from the Long Beach Fire Department, before concluding the day with a wreath-laying ceremony.
The ceremony will take place at the Navy Memorial in Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way), where the plaques that commemorate the Lost 74 are located.
“For the families and shipmates of the USS Frank E. Evans, remembrance is deeply personal,” said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas in a public statement. “This ceremony ensures that the 74 sailors we lost are never forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of service and sacrifice.”
The commemoration will start at 1 p.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/veterans.
