NASA begins recovery tests aboard USS Somerset

Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and NASA engineers release a crew module test article from the ship’s well deck during NASA Underway Recovery Test 12 in the Pacific Ocean, March 26, 2025.

250326-N-JS660-1137.JPG Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Evan Diaz

250326-N-JS660-1137 - PACIFIC OCEAN (March 26, 2025) — Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and NASA engineers release a crew module test article from the ship’s well deck during NASA Underway Recovery Test 12 in the Pacific Ocean, March 26, 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 Evan Diaz)

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