The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Office of Veterans Support, in collaboration with the USS Frank E. Evans Association, will honor veterans and commemorate Long Beach’s rich naval history with a ceremonial community event, Remembering USS Frank E. Evans and the Lost 74, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The event will honor the naval ship USS Frank E. Evans and the 74 sailors who perished at sea on June 3, 1969.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Navy Memorial in Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way) where memorial markers for the Lost 74 are sited. The program will include a presentation about the Evans tragedy, told by a survivor of the collision, as well as ceremonial components led by survivors and community members, including a bell-ringing ceremony – during which the names of the fallen will be read – a wreath-laying ceremony, a traditional 21-gun salute, and the firing of water cannons by a Long Beach Fire Department fireboat. Following the main program, people are invited to stay for a free lunch, while supplies last.
Lead sponsorship of Remembering USS Frank E. Evans and the Lost 74 is provided by the Port of Long Beach.
The Office of Veterans Support
The Long Beach Office of Veterans Support was established in October 2022 upon the recommendation of the Veterans Commission in its Veterans Strategic Plan. The OVS serves as the infrastructure to carry out the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the strategic plan. As such, it oversees and manages the City’s efforts to uplift and support Veterans by:
- Coordinating City-wide efforts to recognize Veterans through public celebrations that bring Veterans and non-Veterans together.
- Serving as lead convener of local public and private and non-profit and for-profit organizations and agencies that serve Veterans at transition and throughout their lifetimes for the City of Long Beach.
- Connecting Veterans to the local resources and services they need when they need them.
- Partnering with resource and service providers to connect Veterans to local education, networking, job training, and career-building opportunities.
- Serving as the “go-to” for up-to-date information on all local Veterans-related resources, services, programs, policies, public celebrations and demographic data for the City of Long Beach and Greater Long Beach Veterans’ community.
- Making or supporting policy recommendations at the City, County, state and federal levels in the areas of affordable housing, homelessness, education, employment and mental and physical health and well-being for our local Veterans.
The Long Beach Veterans Commission
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 Veterans Strategic Plan |
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OFFICE OF VETERANS SUPPORT FAQs
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WHO IS THE COMMISSIONER FOR MY COUNCIL DISTRICT?
The Commission comprises nine members, one for each Council District:
Jim Goodin, District 1
James Schotter, District 2
Kenneth Osborn, District 3
Vacant, District 4
Victor Hill, District 5
Antawnette Blade, District 6
Nick Sramek, District 7
Vacant, District 8
Juanita Doplemore, District 9 -
WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Gina Overholt
Office of Veterans Support Coordinator
Phone: (562) 570-4035
veterans@longbeach.gov
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