Mission Statement
The USS Frank Knox Reunion Association conducts reunions and other meetings to foster camaraderie
with the officers and sailors who served aboard the USS Frank Knox (DDR-742) during her 27 years of
service in the US Navy. The Reunion Association will maintain a factual narrative of the ship and men
who served aboard USS Frank Knox. Call a shipmate and share a story or picture. It is through
shared stories that we live on! OUR HISTORY DOES NOT WRITE ITSELF!
Ships Roster 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 at 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
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 at 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
2021 REUNION is in ALBUQUERQUE, NM home of dazzling view, the TURQUOISE TRAIL, SANTA FE and ALBUQUERQUE's sights.
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown Reserve your hotel today.
The reunion dates are Sept. 22nd – Sept. 26 th, 2021
When you think of Albuquerque today you think "International Balloon Fest". The Balloon Fest is only part of this exciting area. Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city. Founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony the historic center by the Rio Grande River is a few blocks away from the Downtown core. Old Town is filled with historic adobe buildings such as San Felipe de Neri Church. Add 5 museums and shops selling Native American crafts and jewelry. From Old Town you can view the city from a balloon ride in a hot air balloon with World Balloon or Rainbow Riders. A restored B-29 bomber waits at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.
Historic Santa Fe is an hour away by car or you can explore the historic Turquoise Trail and see the high desert and pueblos that surround the two cities. Santa Fe was founded earlier in 1610. The historic city is the capitol of New Mexico. It features the palace of Governors, Santa Fe plaza and historic Pueblo style architecture is historic and as well as a center for the arts. The famous Georgia O'Keeffe museum is located her as well as parts of the historic Santa Fe railroad. Further North is Los Alamos Laboratory the home of the "Manhattan Project" and the US entry into the atomic age. 2021 Reunion Speaker posted here soon.
Application for Albuquerque
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 - 86 to date. There are 14 Life Memberships left!
NEW PUBLICATION *Today, 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 2021. (Editing still in progress.) EST Publish by 07-6-21 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 Ships Recipes - That Good Navy Chow A Navy Chef Poem Baked Halibut with Tomatoes Beef Croquettes Beef Goulash Braised Veal Patties Bread Dressing Chicken Gumbo Chicken Rice Soup Corned Beef Escalloped Eggplant with Tomato French Fried Onions Ham Slices Smothered Macaroni and Corn Au Gratin with Bacon Soft Sugar Cookies Sweet Potatoes Baked with Apples Veal Fricassee Veal Stew Icecream |
Website Latest Updates
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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 9-25-2021 Meeting What's New? Read our Latest Newsletter What's Old? Visit our Newsletter archive By Laws By Laws 2021 Mt. Soledad Plaque Donors |
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. |