Aviation and space recovery archive grouping uniting signed materials from both sides of the Pacific recovery effort — the U.S. Air Force’s Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service and the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 130 — spanning the Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab programs.
The Air Force component centers on a signed official portrait photograph of Colonel Cecil J. Muirden, Commander of the 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, responsible for Air Force recovery support across all three programs. The portrait is signed in black ink and accompanied by a handwritten identification label reading “Cdr. 41st Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Wg / Gemini, Apollo + Skylab Seminar / Hickam AFB, Hawaii,” a period photograph of a U.S. Air Force HC-130 rescue aircraft of the type deployed during splashdown operations, and an original embroidered Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service patch bearing the motto “THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE.”
The Navy component documents USS Ticonderoga (CVS-14), prime recovery ship for Apollo 16, Apollo 17, and Skylab 2. Included is an official Navy portrait photograph signed and inscribed by Captain Norman K. Green, Commanding Officer of Ticonderoga, with reference to Task Force 130 and the Skylab 2 recovery, together with a similarly signed aerial photograph of the carrier at sea. The centerpiece is an official NASA Manned Spacecraft Center business envelope postmarked aboard Ticonderoga on December 19, 1972, the date of Apollo 17 splashdown, bearing an “APOLLO 17 / U.S. NAVY / PACIFIC RECOVERY FORCE” cachet and period postage. The cover is signed by Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot of Apollo 17 and the last person to orbit the Moon alone, and Rear Admiral John H. Butts Jr., U.S. Navy, Commander of Task Force 130.
Condition overall is very good to fine, with expected light toning and handling. Signatures remain bold and well-defined throughout.
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