SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The USS John P. Murtha returned to Naval Base San Diego Saturday morning following a historic mission supporting NASA’s Artemis II program, bringing with it the Orion spacecraft after its successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
The U.S. Navy ship, named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha, played a critical role in Friday’s Artemis II recovery operation, serving as the primary vessel tasked with retrieving the Orion capsule and its crew after reentry.
“It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration,” said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission.”
The USS John P. Murtha returns to San Diego carrying Orion spacecraft. (KSWB)
The USS John P. Murtha returns to San Diego carrying Orion spacecraft. (KSWB)
The USS John P. Murtha returns to San Diego carrying Orion spacecraft. (KSWB)
The carefully coordinated effort involved Navy sailors and NASA engineers who worked together to safely secure the spacecraft shortly after splashdown. Officials say the recovery operation went smoothly, marking a major milestone for NASA’s Artemis II program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and eventually pave the way for missions to Mars.
Artemis II: Key moments in NASA’s historic moon mission
Once secured aboard the ship, Orion underwent initial inspections before being transported back to San Diego. The spacecraft will now be offloaded and prepared for further evaluation by NASA teams.
The Orion spacecraft is seen aboard the USS John P. Murtha in San Diego. (KSWB)
The Orion spacecraft is seen aboard the USS John P. Murtha in San Diego. (KSWB)
The Orion spacecraft is seen aboard the USS John P. Murtha in San Diego. (KSWB)
The Artemis II mission marks NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years, and its successful recovery represents a significant step forward in the next era of human space exploration.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the Golden State’s crucial role in the mission, highlighting the contributions of thousands of workers, hundreds of companies and multiple NASA centers across the state.
“The crew splashing down off the California coast is a full-circle moment and point of immense pride,” Newsom stated. “Artemis II is a unifying moment for all of us here on Earth that we can shoot for the stars and strive for a brighter future, for all.”
For many in San Diego, the ship’s return serves as a reminder of the region’s vital role in both national defense and space travel.
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