MILLINGTON, Tenn. – When NASA’s Artemis II crew splashed down in the Pacific upon their return to Earth from their flight around the moon, U.S. Navy sailors stood ready to welcome them home.
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Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Trescott, from Las Vegas, Nevada, was among the sailors who supported the recovery of the crew and the Orion space capsule.
Trescott, a 2011 graduate of College of Southern Nevada High School, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS John P. Murtha, the ship tasked with retrieving the astronauts and spacecraft.
Trescott serves as a work center supervisor in the navigation and radar work center aboard John P. Murtha.
“My work center played a key role in the recovery by ensuring all the necessary equipment was fully functional and maintained to ensure a smooth and safe recovery of the four souls aboard the capsule,” Trescott said.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Las Vegas.
“My sister and I were raised in a very loving household by my mother and father,” Trescott said. “I was given many tools and taught invaluable lessons to bring with me on my life journey. Integrity, compassion and honesty are my big three. These were instilled in me throughout my childhood.”
Trescott joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Trescott is an electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy at the age of 27,” Trescott said. “I had several jobs in many different industries. I did valet parking, accounting, retail, etc., but never felt fulfilled. I always felt a calling to serve my country. It was something I felt like I needed and wanted to do, and I am so proud that I have done it.”
NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts – NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen – on a nearly 10-day flight around the moon in the Orion space capsule, marking the first time in more than 50 years that humans journeyed to deep space. The crew splashed down just after 5 p.m. (PDT) on April 10 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, where Navy sailors who had been training for this recovery mission were waiting aboard John P. Murtha, an amphibious transport dock.
The U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock has unique advantages, including a well deck, helicopter pad, onboard medical facilities and communication capabilities needed to support the mission. The platform gave NASA the ability to recover the Orion space capsule and collect critical data to help ensure it’s ready to recover the astronauts and capsule during future Artemis missions
Homeported in San Diego, the ship is named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha.
“It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration,” said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission.”
Trescott has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I don’t think I can choose one specific accomplishment,” Trescott said. “I think the culmination of all my accomplishments, as well as my honorable time served, is what I am most proud of. As I am nearing the end of my naval career, I am proud of what I have done. Through the many highs and lows, the time away from home and family, I can move forward knowing that what I did was important and made a difference.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“I feel obligated to give back, to help those who have helped me,” Trescott said. “Serving in the Navy means I have done my part by giving back to this beautiful country and her people, and giving back to a country that has given me what it has. I will continue to find ways to give back, as it is something that gives me great purpose.”
Trescott is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my beautiful wife, Kiera, who has been by my side throughout my entire journey,” Trescott said. “Without her compassion and guidance, I would not be the man I am today. I want to thank my father, sister, aunt, and uncle, Jim and Melanie and Sue and Chris, for a lifetime of wisdom, care and love. Most importantly, I want to thank my mom, Linda Trescott. I thank her for everything, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her.”