Robert James Searle was born on May 22, 1948 to James and Arlete Searle in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Growing up in a small town, he had a typical childhood, attending local schools, and spending time with his family. His early life was marked by a strong sense of community and patriotism, which eventually led him to enlist in the Navy Reserves in 1967.

Searle’s decision to join the Navy was driven by his desire to serve his country and pursue a career in the military. He graduated boot camp and Basic Propulsion & Engineering “A” School. He was assigned to the USS Frank E. Evans.

After enlisting, Searle moved to Torrance, where he married Thelma Ruth Jones on December 30, 1968. They resided at 1344 W. 225th St, and had two children, Terry and Jerry (they were twins).

On June 3, 1969, while operating with the royal Australian Navy in the South China Sea, the USS Frank E. Evans collided with the Australian aircraft carrier, HMAS Melbourne. The collision split the destroyer in half, and Searle, who was on watch in the Forward Fire Room, tragically perished along with 73 other crew members.

Searle’s remains were never recovered, and he is honored with a memorial stone at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, Montana.