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  USS Hornet Apollo 11 messenger line

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Author Topic:   USS Hornet Apollo 11 messenger line
randyc
Member

Posts: 781
From: Chandler, AZ USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 07-24-2020 05:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for randyc   Click Here to Email randyc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
On the 51st anniversary of the Apollo 11 splashdown, I thought collectSPACE members would be interested in seeing an item I bought earlier this year that I've never seen before (or since). It is a piece of the "messenger line" that was used during the recovery of the Apollo 11 Command Module.

The definition of a messenger line is "A light line attached to the end of a main mooring line and used to assist in heaving the mooring to the shore or another ship."

The plaque that is attached to the display states that...

...this small piece of orange line was cut from the "messenger" line shot from the USS Hornet to the spacecraft and was the first physical contact the ship made with the historic spacecraft to safely recover it so that future generations may examine the vehicle that made this truly incredible journey. General Electric is pleased to have played a role in this historic event.
Below is a photo of the display and a closeup photo of the plaque. Has anyone seen this item before or have any information on how many were made?

cfreeze79
Member

Posts: 459
From: Herndon, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 08-06-2020 03:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cfreeze79   Click Here to Email cfreeze79     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have the identical item in my collection. It is one of my favorites as well.

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