Posts: 781 From: Chandler, AZ USA Registered: May 2003
posted 07-24-2020 05:14 PM
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
I have the identical item in my collection. It is one of my favorites as well.