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Ships Roster and History
We are trying to gather all the names of shipmates who served on the USS Frank Knox DDR 742 for 27 years of service, 1944 till 1971. Click above to see if yours appear. If new, please send info to tsoltis2@gmail.com Attn Tom Soltis. The roster is also broken down into 5 year segments below:
1944 – 1950 | 1951 – 1955 | 1956 – 1960 | 1961 – 1965 | 1966 – 1971
Also Collecting Photo Roster Under Photo Tab
REUNION 2023 – Alaska Cruise
Holland America - SS Eurodam, sailing September 2nd from Seattle WA, returning September 9th, 2023.
Happy shipmates and family members departed Seattle on our ship for the Alaska Cruise Reunion. Our ship was considered a "smaller " ship by cruising standards with approximately 2000 passengers.
Our first nigh featured a "Welcome, Meet and Greet" assembly in the Explorations Central area of the ship.
Sunday, the following day, we spent "at sea". That evening featured an organized group dinner in the Main Dinning Room.
Monday morning we gathered for our Annual Business Meeting in the Hudson Room. After the Pledge we honored the POW/MIA service members followed by TAPS. Upon arrival in our first port stop, Juneau, most departed the ship to explore the town.
Tuesday, the day was filled with scenery as we cruised into Glacier Bay. Glaciers were calving, adding drama to the scenery. Weather could not have been better. Temperatures in the 60's. Short sleeves and shorts were the uniform f the day for most!
Wednesday the day was filled with sight seeing in the port city of Sitka. Different excursions helped add to this port visit.
Thursday, an early arrival (7am) allowed us time to see Ketchikan and return to the ship at 1pm. Underway again and time enough to don fancy clothes for the "Formal" group dinner and photo in the Main Dinning Room.
Friday was our last day on or reunion schedule. We met in the Hudson Room. Goodbyes were exchanged before heading to Victoria for four hours of sightseeing. After returning to the ship it was underway for the final stop in Seattle. The reunion was a terrific time being "at Sea" with shipmates, families, and friends.
2024 Reunion - San Antonio will be next years site. Save the date, early October.
Our shipmates and their guests enjoyed an unforgettable cruise of Alaskan waters including Stephen’s Passage, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria BC. Beautiful scenery, no port and starboard lines for meals, smooth ride with no 45-degree rolls! On to Texas and San Antonio!
More Info Reunion Tabs
Holland America - SS Eurodam, sailing September 2nd from Seattle WA, returning September 9th, 2023.
Happy shipmates and family members departed Seattle on our ship for the Alaska Cruise Reunion. Our ship was considered a "smaller " ship by cruising standards with approximately 2000 passengers.
Our first nigh featured a "Welcome, Meet and Greet" assembly in the Explorations Central area of the ship.
Sunday, the following day, we spent "at sea". That evening featured an organized group dinner in the Main Dinning Room.
Monday morning we gathered for our Annual Business Meeting in the Hudson Room. After the Pledge we honored the POW/MIA service members followed by TAPS. Upon arrival in our first port stop, Juneau, most departed the ship to explore the town.
Tuesday, the day was filled with scenery as we cruised into Glacier Bay. Glaciers were calving, adding drama to the scenery. Weather could not have been better. Temperatures in the 60's. Short sleeves and shorts were the uniform f the day for most!
Wednesday the day was filled with sight seeing in the port city of Sitka. Different excursions helped add to this port visit.
Thursday, an early arrival (7am) allowed us time to see Ketchikan and return to the ship at 1pm. Underway again and time enough to don fancy clothes for the "Formal" group dinner and photo in the Main Dinning Room.
Friday was our last day on or reunion schedule. We met in the Hudson Room. Goodbyes were exchanged before heading to Victoria for four hours of sightseeing. After returning to the ship it was underway for the final stop in Seattle. The reunion was a terrific time being "at Sea" with shipmates, families, and friends.
2024 Reunion - San Antonio will be next years site. Save the date, early October.
Our shipmates and their guests enjoyed an unforgettable cruise of Alaskan waters including Stephen’s Passage, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria BC. Beautiful scenery, no port and starboard lines for meals, smooth ride with no 45-degree rolls! On to Texas and San Antonio!
More Info Reunion Tabs
2023 Veterans Day Auction IS MOVING TO:
MAY 22-27, 2024 0900 CDT to May 22, 2024 2000 CDT May 27, 2024.
Benefits the USS Frank Knox Reunion Association
Auctions Donations welcome! Maybe someone has the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy?
Winners listed May 27, 2024
THE SHIP'S STORE - IS OPEN!
These great patches, Ship of the Year and Arleigh Burke medallions are all in stock. Frank Knox hats are also available. Browse the Store.
These great patches, Ship of the Year and Arleigh Burke medallions are all in stock. Frank Knox hats are also available. Browse the Store.
Dues are Due! Life members - 99 to date. There are 1 Life Memberships left!
NEW PUBLICATION *July 18, 2020 is the 55th Anniversary of the commencement of salvage operations to free USS Frank Knox DDR-742 from Pratas Reef in the South China Sea. A determined crew, salvage personnel, Navy and civilian experts all formed a successful team to free the ship and record "the most dramatic and successful ship salvage in the Pacific." Who will tell your story? We will! This certificate recognizes the on-board salvage crew for their efforts. Share your story or memories and pictures by contacting Steve Cross, VP Communications to learn about the new publication - "Stranded" scheduled for publishing around June 2023. (Editing still in progress.) EST Publish by 07-6-23 Pictures? Memories? Join 20+ shipmates in recording your part of this momentous event. Still receiving comments and pictures. Steve Cross, 619-992-9449, stephencross742@gmail.com Navy Chow Ships Recipes
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Get Involved
Become a Member of the U.S.S. Frank Knox Reunion Association Download our Association Membership Application & LIFE MEMBER INFORMATION Annual Business Meeting 9-4-2023 Meeting What's New? Read our Latest Newsletter What's Old? Visit our Newsletter archive By Laws By Laws 2021 Mt. Soledad Plaque Donors Website Latest Updates
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U.S.S. Frank Knox -True Story + U.S.S. Frank Knox in Fiction
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Copies available - USS Frank Knox Reunion Assoc. $30.00 send check to Margaret Watson Treasurer. or,
Order it Amazon.com Frankiemaru Lionel F. Price "The true story behind the Grounding of the USS Frank Knox (DDR-742) and its Aftermath" Author Lionel Price, CDR USN Ret. was assigned to USS Frank Knox as the ship's First Lieutenant in 1964. He details the journey of the 1963 Ship of the Year through her assignment to the First Concord Squadron and travels to Mombasa, Aden Saudi Arabia and other ports before returning to assignments in Vietnam under CO Orlin Putman. Returning to San Diego in late 1964, Putman was relieved by new CO, CDR Nicholas Gerkavic. The Frank Knox deployed to Vietnam waters and engaged in naval gunfire support, interdicting enemy resupply vessels and other duties in the Republic of Vietnam before heading for a rest period in Taiwan. During this transit USS Frank Knox ran aground on Pratas Reef. The grounding, evacuation of 155 sailors off the ship, salvage operations for 38 days, and journey to Yokosuka Japan for repairs are all part of the story recounted by CDR Price. He details the investigation into the grounding and the Courts Martial that resulted from the findings of the investigation. Well documented, the book is recommended for those who like naval history. Murder On Pratas Reef Finalist for the 2007 National Best Books Award for Historical Fiction, this must-read delivers a compelling story of suspense and intrigue. Set in the context of the real life accident, the burgeoning Vietnam war and the civil rights movement, the fictional murder tests the men of the Knox to their limits. Follow the adventure as they attempt the next-to-impossible feat of freeing their ship and turn what could have been humiliation into a testament to honor, loyalty, and dedication. See it on Amazon.com. |