PFF and Sepia Saturday - BIG Step For Mankind

Postmarked on the Recovery Ship Hornet CV12 on July 24, 1969

 Our theme for Sepia Saturday is recognition of the amazing work of NASA's Space Program.  The first manned Lunar Landing in 1969 is something I will always remember.  Where I was and what I was doing:  My dad had the old black and white TV on a 40 foot extension cord in the driveway. He was doing an oil change on the giant blue Mercury station wagon and didn't want to miss a minute of Apollo 11and the first moon landing. I was on my way to the mall for some serious shopping - mini skirts and such - but I stopped to see what he was doing. Together we watched the grainy sights and crackling sounds of the landing.  A few days later I received the above envelope - Dad had thoughtfully sent one for each of his 7 children to be postmarked on the U.S. Navy Recovery ship Hornet!

 The Hornet CV-12

The Hornet is a recommissioned and renamed WWII Essex class aircraft carrier, and the eighth Navy ship to be given the distinctive name, Hornet.  She was originally named Kearsarge, but was renamed Hornet in honor of Hornet C8 which was sunk in 1942. 

Hornet CV-12 played a major roll in the Pacific during WWII, earning 9 battle stars.  She also served during during peacetime, the Cold War and Vietnam The Hornet then became the recovery ship for both manned and unmanned Apollo space flights.  This was not her first recovery assignment.  Hornet was part of the Operation Magic Carpet operation which brought hundreds of thousands of soldiers home after WWII ended.

Coming Home!  Operation Magic Carpet 1945/46

Recovered Apollo Space Capsule

The Hornet is now stationed in Alameda California as the USS Hornet Museum.  The exhibit includes the Apollo 11 Space Capsule

First Day of Issue - Man on the Moon

 My father had this First Day of Issue stamp, and postmarks and envelope sent to me in 1969 as well.

Footsteps and our Flag on the Moon

President Nixon greets our Brave Astronauts

Armstrong, Collins and Aldrin were put in quarantine  aboard the Hornet.  NASA wanted to be sure they only came back with Moon rocks.

 Where the Apollo Missions Left Footprints

A Pre-Apollo Space Shot for Postcard Friendship Friday

We've just this week come to the end of a great and exciting era. We'll always remember those brave men and women who traveled into the true unknown to explore and to advance our knowledge of the universe. Some came back,  others did not.

 For more Postcard Friendship Friday travel HERE

Sepia Saturday is a space shot away HERE