Welcome to the USS Frank Knox DD-742 Guestbook Forum

Years Served: February 2, 1949 to August 10, 1953…Reported aboard the Frank Knox DDR 742 from Recruit Training as SA, began in the deck force chipping paint. Was reassigned to mess cooking soon after reporting aboard. Advanced to RDSN and then RD3 before being transferred to CICTeam Training Center San Diego, later renamed Fleet Anti-Air Warfare Training Center. FAWTC. Have asttended reunions in Laughlin, NV, Seattle, WA, and San Diego, CA

Years Served: 1968-1971…Great ship, great crew, great memories

Years Served: …I am intrigued by the posting of David O. Kelly who apparently was a quartermaster on the bridge when the Frank Knox went aground on Pratas Reef. Is it myth or truth that the OOD turned the ship into what he thought was a rogue wave/white water?

Years Served: 1954-1956…hi i don’t remember too many guys, but i do remember alvin tinsley and otis clark and they were machists mates…also jim newborn and george thrower ..jim was in the e div and george was a radio man…i was an electrician..and i was the engineers yeoman..i’m in chicago…frank gattone

Years Served: 2/68—2/71…Went aboard in SD as a SN deck div. 2/71, became striker for RM, advanced to RM2 while aboard. I was one of the last 7 crewman aboard to prepare her for turn over to Greek Navy. Great ship, great crew and great memories of 2 cruises to WestPac. Now a U.S. Immigration Judge, been on the bench since my appointment in 9/95. Would like to hear from fellow crew members.

Years Served: May 1963 to Dec. 1967…In May 1963 I started as a SA/BM in Yokosuka, Japan. Several trip to various West pack ports over the next 8 months. On march 31, 1964 Task Force Ninety, the Concord Squadron, departed Subic Bay, Philippines Islands, on the initial leg of America’s first goodwill cruise by the Pacific Fleet into the Indian Ocean. Commanded by Rear Admiral Moore, the task force composed of the flagship USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31), USS Hassayampa (AO 145), USS Shelton (DD790), USS Blue (DD 744), and the USS Frank Knox (DDR 742).

Years Served: 1959 thru 1963…Served aboard 1959 until 1961 Quartermaster third class

Years Served: Didn’t…To all navy men, my name is Christopher Steven Gattone, Grandson of QM3 Frank Adam Gattone. If anyone on here knows anything of my grandfather’s service in the Navy, any information would be greatly appreciated. I’ve been trying to find out about my grandfather since my medical discharge from the Army Reserve and stumbled on this forum. Please contact me at cgattone01@gmail.com . He passed away October 23, 2010. By the way, thanks for any assistance and information as well as your service. ~ PVT Gattone.

Years Served: 1961-1963…Served as Operations Officer from just before leaving for homeport change from Long Beach to Yokosuka – spent majority of time in WestPac – KNOX won all the E’s in that timeframe and was named Ship of the Year by a Navy Magazine whose name I forget.

Gary and Dale Zalaoras is Greek ????

I served from May 1966 until May 1968 as a E2 (Seaman Apprentice). Worked in the boiler-room for six months, later got transferred to the galley as a cook for the last 18 months. I had the pleasure of receiving two captain masts in two years. AWOL and disobeying a direct order. My last month aboard I got in a fight and beat up a gunners mate. Not smart!
But, I did enjoy the traveling and raising hell as a young man and made some good friends.
Anchors away matey’s.

I served aboard the Frank Knox from February 1967 to May 1969. In addition to two Vietnam deployments, hit ports in Japan, Hong Kong, Subic Bay, Taiwan, and crossed the equator in January 1968 to Austrailia and New Zealand. Joined the Frank Knox Reunion Association in 2018. Became a Life Member and attend the annual reunions. It is great to renew old shipmate friendships every year. The Frank Knox gave me the best Navy memories. I am so proud to have served in the Navy and the time on board the USS Frank Knox DDR 742.

I served on good ship Knox 1961-1966. Started out on/in Second Div Deck Gang then made GMG3 after that a close friend (now retired SMCM) Paul Penczek and Tony Cockrell talk me into changing over to QM. Retired QMC. The Frank Kxox during my stay had a great set Officers and an outstanding Enlisted crew.. I letftKnox around 4-5 months after grounding in Yokosuka drydock 2 and pulled a tour of duty as Armed Force Po;ice Taipei Taiwan. Now that was great (as Knox was) tour duty too. Take care all of you follow USS Frank Knox (DDR-742) shipmates. Guy D

My brother, Gary Zalaoras served aboard, and was a Fire Control Tech., circa 1962-1964. He passed away in 2007. Please contact me if you have any memories of him.

Hi I served aboard the Knox from 54 to 56. Don’ t know if anyone remembers tinsley and Clark both were machinists mates we had a lot of good times. Where are you guys?i am in chicago

Hello to all of you.
My dad, Thomas Joseph Kerrigan served on the USS Frank Knox during WWII and Korea. He always loved his dear USS Frank Knox and often spoke of her before he died (brain cancer) in 2008.

Served on the Frank Knox from 1965-1967
Reported on board as a seaman and made ET3 prior to leaving and going to ET"A" school. Spent many good times while in dry dock in Youkuska Japan. Remember the storm on our way back to San Diego.