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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
Thanksgiving Message to all
A US Navy Thanksgiving is a well-planned affair for good reason. Sailors, chiefs and officers alike are away from family and friends. The well-organized meal was usually served from noon to 2000 on larger ships but could easily fit into a noon to 1600 time slot on FRANK KNOX, in most schedules. Of course, there were always exceptions.
We know that the first Thanksgiving for FRANK KNOX was in Boston MA; November 23, 1944. A few days later the ship was undergoing standardization trials followed by commissioning in Boston December 11, 1944. FRANK KNOX was the first Gearing class ship launched and commissioned. She would soon join 4 other new Gearings headed to Halsey's Third Fleet and the Battle of Okinawa.
A year later, FRANK KNOX celebrated Thanksgiving in Tsingtao, China. In 1948, the ship would return to the same location for another Thanksgiving.
The last Thanksgiving was 1970 in San Diego CA. The Greek Navy was beginning to get familiar with their newest ship before sailing away to Greece in early 1971.
No matter the location, FRANK KNOX sailors gather to give thanks for skilled leadership and faithful shipmates, then and now. So, happy Thanksgiving from your FRANK KNOX family to you and yours this holiday.
A US Navy Thanksgiving is a well-planned affair for good reason. Sailors, chiefs and officers alike are away from family and friends. The well-organized meal was usually served from noon to 2000 on larger ships but could easily fit into a noon to 1600 time slot on FRANK KNOX, in most schedules. Of course, there were always exceptions.
We know that the first Thanksgiving for FRANK KNOX was in Boston MA; November 23, 1944. A few days later the ship was undergoing standardization trials followed by commissioning in Boston December 11, 1944. FRANK KNOX was the first Gearing class ship launched and commissioned. She would soon join 4 other new Gearings headed to Halsey's Third Fleet and the Battle of Okinawa.
A year later, FRANK KNOX celebrated Thanksgiving in Tsingtao, China. In 1948, the ship would return to the same location for another Thanksgiving.
The last Thanksgiving was 1970 in San Diego CA. The Greek Navy was beginning to get familiar with their newest ship before sailing away to Greece in early 1971.
No matter the location, FRANK KNOX sailors gather to give thanks for skilled leadership and faithful shipmates, then and now. So, happy Thanksgiving from your FRANK KNOX family to you and yours this holiday.
2022 Veterans Day Auction
November 7, 2022 0900 CDT to November 11, 2022 2000 CDT
Benefits the USS Frank Knox Reunion Association
Winners listed Date November 12, 2022
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 - 96 to date. There are 4 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 9-25-2021 Meeting What's New? Read our Latest Newsletter What's Old? Visit our Newsletter archive By Laws By Laws 2021 Mt. Soledad Plaque Donors 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. |