Collision of HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank E. Evans
June 3rd, 1969
June 3rd, 1969
How Long Ago?
55 years, 9 months, 11 days ago
Location
South China Sea, off the coast of South Vietnam
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Vietnam War
People
- Commander J.M. McNaughton
- Commander A.L. Becker
Links & References
Tags
Collision of HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank E. Evans
The Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne collided with the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Frank E. Evans off the coast of South Vietnam, resulting in the destroyer's sinking and the tragic loss of 74 lives. The incident occurred during military operations in the region amidst the Vietnam War conflict, highlighting the risks of naval operations and international collaboration.
HMAS Melbourne cut USS Frank E. Evans in half.
74 crew members lost, 27 were rescued.
Incident affected future naval safety protocols.
Collision occurred during Vietnam War operations.
What Happened?
The HMAS Melbourne, an Australian aircraft carrier, was engaged in operations off the coast of South Vietnam when it collided with the USS Frank E. Evans, a U.S. Navy destroyer. The collision happened during a routine exercise in the South China Sea, involving a joint naval operation aimed at enhancing military readiness against potential threats during the Vietnam War. At approximately 3:00 AM, poor visibility and miscommunication were significant factors that led to the catastrophic encounter. The Evans was cut in half, resulting in the immediate sinking of the ship, a stark manifestation of naval maneuvering hazards in wartime contexts. 74 crew members were lost in this tragic incident, while 27 were rescued.The Melbourne's captain, Commander J.M. 'Mike' McNaughton, and the Evans' captain, Commander A.L. Becker, faced scrutiny following the incident, raising extensive discussions around naval safety protocols and operational command. The sinking of the USS Frank E. Evans led to changes in naval training, policy reviews, and the implementation of stricter guidelines aimed at preventing such disasters in the future. The investigation that followed scrutinized the navigation systems of both vessels and highlighted the challenges faced by military ships operating in close quarters under challenging conditions.
Why Does it Matter?
The Melbourne-Evans collision is significant as it underscores the dangers of naval operations during intensive military campaigns like the Vietnam War. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the catastrophe prompted reevaluation of communication protocols and operational procedures among international naval forces. This event serves as a pivotal case study in maritime safety and the importance of situational awareness while conducting joint military exercises.
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