Niagara Falls native supported Artemis II recovery mission in the Pacific

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Courtesy of Navy Office of Community Outreach

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.

Seaman Jermani Justus, from Niagara Falls, was among the sailors who supported the recovery of the crew and the Orion space capsule.

Justus, a 2018 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS John P. Murtha, the ship tasked with retrieving the astronauts and spacecraft.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Niagara Falls.

“Growing up in a hometown that is economically challenged taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic and taking advantage of opportunities that you can benefit from,” Justus said.

Justus joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Justus is a gunner’s mate.

“I joined the Navy because I love my country and I love the military,” Justus said. “I want to serve for those who can’t but would if they could.”

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.”

Justus has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being a sailor,” Justus said. “I am also proud of helping others achieve their goals.”

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the U.S. 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 U.S. is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Justus said. “It’s been changing my life for the better. It gives me a chance to better myself, protect the ones I love and set myself and my family up for success.”

Justus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom, dad and grandmother for their love and support throughout this journey,” Justus said. “I wouldn’t be here today without them.”