Project 74 Update: Bipartisan Push Continues to Add USS Frank E. Evans Lost 74 to Vietnam Wall

Friends and Family of the USS Frank E Evans Lost 74:

We are continuing our efforts to remember the Lost 74 on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and appreciate all of your efforts. Here’s the current status (somewhat in order of likelihood):

• NDAA: Senators Cramer and Schiff are continuing bipartisan efforts to amend this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is a must-pass bill to fund our country’s military. If our amendment survives the legislative process to the President’s desk, we will have reached the finish line.

• Navy: In parallel, we are looking to gain the Navy’s support for our efforts. Steve Kraus, Tim Wendler, and David Grannis from Senator Schiff’s office met with then-Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy Duncan last September, which led to a connection with Navy Chief of Staff Mahan. Past Navy Secretary Mabus supported our efforts, and by reengaging and regaining their support, we might achieve an administrative solution (i.e., refining the criteria for being on the Wall) and at least have a much better chance of passing the NDAA amendment.

• Stand-alone Legislation: Many of you have reached out to your Congressmembers asking for support for bipartisan legislation that has been introduced to add the Lost 74 to the Wall: SB3131 USS Frank E. Evans Act (introduced in the Senate by Senators Cramer, Schiff, Schumer) and HR5945 (introduced in the House by Congressmembers Chu and Flood). Please continue your efforts (see instructions at https://www.ussfee.org/project-74/). Not only would it achieve our goal if this legislation were passed, but it would also keep the pressure on the Navy and make the NDAA path easier.

• Executive Order: It is challenging to gain any President’s attention to sign an executive order, but this would be the quickest route if we could achieve it. We have sent letters and approached through intermediaries, but have yet to achieve any traction with this route. Recently, we have requested that Senator Cramer take the lead on this initiative.