9. Splashdown and Recovery
After completing his historic 15-minute suborbital flight aboard Freedom 7, Alan Shepard splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 3.5 miles from the recovery ship, the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39). The U.S. Navy’s Task Force 140 coordinated the recovery operation, deploying an HUS-1 helicopter from Marine Corps squadron HMR(L)-262 to retrieve Shepard and the capsule. The helicopter transported them to the USS Lake Champlain, where Shepard was greeted by Navy personnel and medical staff. The successful recovery was a significant achievement, showcasing the Navy’s capability in supporting space missions. The public’s reaction was one of immense pride and excitement, as Shepard’s safe return symbolized America’s growing prowess in space exploration. (history.navy.mil)
