HMAS Melbourne (R21) could be considered an unlucky ship. Not only was she involved in the loss by collision of HMAS Voyager (D04) on 10th February 1964 but a few years later, 3rd June 1969, she was involved in another collision. This time with the USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754), an Allen M. Sumner Class Destroyer, launched 3rd October 1944 at Bethlehem Steel, Statten Island.

HMAS Melbourne was conducting an anti-submarine exercise, at night, in company with US destroyers Everett F. Larson (DDR-830), Frank E. Evans (DD-754), James E. Kyes (DD-787), HMNZS Blackpool (F77) and HMS Cleopatra (F28). At the start of the exercise the captain of Melbourne held a dinner for the five escort captains. Being mindful of the collision between Melbourne and Voyager, and the near miss by the Larsen on 31st March, he emphasised the need for caution when operating close to an aircraft carrier. Written instructions were issued to all five captains on how to avoid the circumstances leading up to the collision with Voyager. Again, just prior to the exercise the Admiral, Flag Officer Commanding Australian Fleet in Melbourne reminded all captains of the need for caution when operating in company of an aircraft carrier. The standing instruction was for ships manoeuvring close to the carrier to turn away from the carrier at all times.

Melbourne, with her navigation lights at full power, ordered the Evans to assume the plane guard position, while at the same reminding the Evans of her (Melbourne) course and speed. The Evans, being off the Melbourne's port bow decided to turn to starboard (towards the carrier's course), crossed the carrier's path well ahead but continued her starboard turn to again cross Melbourne's bow. Melbourne radioed a warning to the Evans, which took no avoiding action. Melbourne then turned hard to port, advising Evans both by radio and siren. Evans, at about the same time, turned hard to starboard. The Evans was struck on her port side and was cut cleanly in two. Sadly, 74 crew from a crew of 273 on the Evans were lost.

A joint RAN-USN Board of Inquiry was held to establish the events and circumstances of the collision and the responsibility of those involved. However, the inquiry, which the Australians believed to be biased against them, found that both ships were at fault. Four officers (the captains of Melbourne and Evans, plus the two junior officers in control of Evans at the time of the collision) were court-martialed based on the results of the inquiry; while the three USN officers were charged, the RAN officer was cleared of wrongdoing.