02/09/1971 USA, Apollo 14 Recovery Force, US Navy

 Cover Commemorates Recovery of Apollo 14 Spacecraft After Successful Trip to the Moon

On January 31, 1971,  Apollo 14 began its trip to the Moon.  It would become the third American spacecraft to land on the Lunar surface.  Two days later, the crew began its return trip to Earth.  On February 9, the command module successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean and was recovered by the USS New Orleans.  This cover was postmarked on the ship in honor of the successful recovery of the spacecraft.  Add it to your space collection today.