Ticonderoga Apollo Recovery (CVS 14) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 13 text:

Z 0 . .. preparatlons begin. As always, there were the many details and tasks that had to be given attention and completed. Load-out for the Apollo 16 recovery mission was just about the same as for a regular cruise, but with a few new twists. Special equipment suddenly appeared on the pier to be loaded aboard TICONDEROGA. Among some of the more interesting objects were the Television and Radio Pool vans that were set up in hangar bay number 2-an unusual sight on TICO. Another interesting item was the Mutual Broadcasting Systems van which was placed adjacent to and outboard of the island structure. Later on, many of TlCONDEROGA's men would be quite fond of this piece of equipment, for it furnished many telephone calls home. Western Union International was in on the mission. Their piece of equipment consisted of the Bubble , which was the transmitter unit used to cover the last 9 Apollo recoveries. The Bubble is capable of live television transmission from 94 per cent of the Earth's surface. On splashdown day, the television signal was transmitted 22,300 miles to Intelsat III-F4 hovering in orbit above the Pacific Ocean. From this satellite, the signal was transmitted to Jamesburg, California, from there to NASA, in Houston, and then to New York where the signal was distributed across the nation, the United Kingdom, Europe, Latin America, parts of Africa, the Near East, Japan, Hawaii, and Australia. It was all falling into place, special equipment and special people. TICONDEROGA and her crew were no exception.

Page 12 text:

with early planning . . . Long before TICONDEROGA was due to .leave San Diego on 23 March 1972, there was much planning which had to be accomplished. The officers and men of TICONDEROGA had their work cut out. The first of many planning conferences commenced on ThurSdaYf 16 December 1971, with the following words from Captain Edward A.' Boyd, USN, Commanding Officer, USS TICONDEROGA: . On behalf of the officers and men of TICONDEBOGA, I wish to extend a hearty Welcome Aboard to all participants in this planning conference. -We are deeply honored in being chosen Prime Recovery Ship for A190110 16 Operations and welcome the opportunity IQ J01n the CTF' 130fNASA Team. During today s proceedings WC 110136 to draw heavily upon your experience and expertise to complement our own preparations for the upcoming venture. We in TICONDEROGA are anxious to get on with the recovery phase of this most important mission. 'The ship's facilities and personnel stand at your disposal .... . WELCOME ABOARD. Thus, it all began-the molding together of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, CTF-130+Manned Space Recovery Force, Pacific, HC-l, UDT-12, VAW-111, VR-30 and you, the professionals of TICONDEROGA, to form a team with the mission of one specific purpose: the successful recovery of three astronauts and their spacecraft, a mission of high national priority and international importance. TICONDEROGA had joined the quest for knowledge from the stars-another step toward human freedom.

Page 14 text:

Welcome Aboard! Above: Top: LT H.P. Johnston, LT B.J. Martin, CDR M. Artuso. Center: Top Row: C. Coler, P. Mion, L. King, C. Hunt, C. Filley, F. Jones, J. Jacobs. Bottom Row: D. Jones, T. Moorman, P. Chaput, R. MacMillin, M. Heflin. Bottom: P.E. Matheson- CGEJ, A.J. Shapkus CGEJ, L.H. Garrison QGEJ, A. Trey, Jr., CGEJ , H.A. Reese, CAPT USN QRetJ CWUIJ, C. Geolllge QWUD, D.B. Nelson CCOMSA J, Pastor O. Iniestra KGEJ . fr , ww., Ms, - 'ff ' ,, 1 - ,f 4-iw, hw, . f f W , . 4.s,,,,M X...