Frank Kucsan Jr.

I served with Frank onboard USS BELKNAP (CG-26) in the early 1970's. I was a young LTjg and the Gunnery Officer on our Unitas deployment in 1974. Frank was the Leading Petty Officer in the division for our Fire Control Technicians. Our General Quarters station was controlling the two 3"50 gun mounts amidships. On a firing exercise with one of the South American navies the bridge was very tense because we were having trouble acquiring the towed air target to shoot within the brief time it was in the safe firing bearings. Under great pressure from the bridge to fire the mount on the targets last run I told FTG1 Kucsan "we have to get it this time." As the target made its last pass Frank cooly responded and picked up the target with the optical director in time and we successfully engaged it. The response from the bridge immediately changed from irate comments to the highest praise! Frank's excellent work made our day! I will always remember him and that day from my 30+ year Navy career.
He was a great shipmate and I am saddened by his passing.
C. L. (Dean) Brown
CAPT, USN (Ret)

To the family of Frank Kucsan. You have my condolences. Just to let everyone know, I´m a plank owner. I `m original crew member of the USS Belknap DLG-26. I live in Egg Harbor Towship , NJ. I was on the USS Belknap DLG-26 from 1964-1966

Served together on USS Belknap Nov. 1975. Fair Winds and folloing seas shipmate.