Navy, Air Force to Hold Press Conference on Artemis II Recovery

Leaders will address successful rescue of astronauts and capsule

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:38pm

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A bold, abstract painting in muted tones of blue, green, and orange, featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise spirals that evoke the complex technical details and structural order of the Artemis II recovery mission.The intricate recovery operation for the Artemis II mission showcases the technical prowess and coordination of the U.S. Navy and Air Force.San Diego Today

The U.S. Navy and Air Force will hold a live-streamed press conference this afternoon to provide details on the successful recovery operation for the Artemis II mission. Four key leaders involved in the mission will speak, including the commanding officers of the USS John P. Murtha and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, as well as a Navy diver and an Air Force representative.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon, so the safe recovery of the astronauts and capsule is a major milestone. The press conference will provide the public with an inside look at the complex operation to retrieve the crew and spacecraft from the Pacific Ocean.

The details

The press conference is scheduled to begin around 1:30 pm local time, though the exact timing may change as the USS John P. Murtha approaches the recovery site. The four speakers will include U.S. Navy Capt. Erik J. Kenny, the commanding officer of the USS John P. Murtha; U.S. Navy Diver Chief Chase McCain from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE; U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kevin Ringelstein, the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23; and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Pieper, the Air Force representative.

  • The press conference is scheduled to begin around 1:30 pm local time on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

U.S. Navy Capt. Erik J. Kenny

Commanding officer of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26).

U.S. Navy Diver Chief Chase McCain

From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE (EODGRU-1).

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kevin Ringelstein

Commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Pieper

Air Force representative.

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The takeaway

The successful recovery of the Artemis II astronauts and capsule is a critical milestone for NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon, and the press conference will provide valuable insights into the complex operation that brought the crew safely back to Earth.