URT-12: NASA prepares for recovery tests aboard USS Somerset [Image 6 of 17]

PACIFIC OCEAN

03.28.2025

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nettie Manfull 

Expeditionary Strike Group 3

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 “Wild Cards” supervise aircraft and personnel during flight operations on the ship’s flight deck during NASA Underway Recovery Test 12 in the Pacific Ocean, March 28, 2025. In preparation for NASA's Artemis II crewed mission, which will send four astronauts around the moon and beyond in the Orion spacecraft, NASA and the Department of Defense will conduct a series of tests to demonstrate and evaluate the processes, procedures, and hardware used in recovery operations for crewed lunar missions. The Department of Defense has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA, including its amphibious ships with the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats and provide medical care at advanced onboard facilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nettie Mae Manfull)

• Date Taken: 03.28.2025
• Date Posted: 03.31.2025 10:52
• Photo ID: 8943236
• VIRIN: 250328-N-AV351-1417
• Resolution: 1532x2092
• Size: 1.36 MB
• Location: PACIFIC OCEAN