CDR Frank Etchison,Jr., USN Back to Commanding Officer's page
Commander Frank L.
ETCHISON Jr., was born in Live Oak, Florida. He attended the University of
North Carolina and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1951.
He served onboard the Newport based destroyer USS
SMALLEY (DD‑565) and later on the Staff of Commander Amphibious Group FOUR in
Norfolk, Virginia from 1954 to 1956, Commander ETCHISON attended the U.S. Naval
Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, receiving a B.S Degree in
Electrical Engineering.
From September 1956 until June 1955, he was the Assistant Gunnery ‑ Officer on the SIXTH Fleet Flag ships SALEM (CA‑139), and DES MOINES (CA‑134). From July 1955 until December 1959 Commander ETCHISON was Executive Officer of the Newport based Radar Picket Ship RHODES (DER‑384) He reported to the Special Projects Office at the Bureau of Weapons, Washington D.C. in January 1960 and served in that office until September 1961. In January 1964, then Lieutenant Commander ETCHISON reported to Fleet Training Center, San Diego, California as PX0 of the guided missile destroyer USS RICHARD E. BYRD (DDG‑23). He served onboard the BYRD until August 1965 and in September 1965 returned to Washington D.C. as a member of the Systems Analysis Group, Anti‑Submarine Warfare Project Office. On 1 September 196. CDR ETCHISON reported to the Naval Support Activity, DaNang, RVN where he served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Security Intelligence and Officer in Charge, Naval Support Activity Detachment Tan My Hue.
Commander ETCHISON assumed command of the USS JOHN W WEEKS (DD 701) on 11 November 1968 to 1970.