Filipino sailor supports NASA Artemis II crew recovery mission in Pacific
![Filipino U.S. Navy sailor Mark Rabanal from Cauayan City, Isabela, participating in NASA Artemis II recovery support operations. [Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach ]](http://ourdailynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot_766.png)
When NASA’s Artemis II crew splashed down in the Pacific after their return from a flight around the moon, U.S. Navy sailors were on hand to support the recovery operation and welcome them home safely.
Among them was Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Rabanal, originally from Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines, who played a role in supporting the recovery of the crew and Orion space capsule.
Rabanal serves in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, which airlifted the Artemis II crew back to the USS John P. Murtha for further evaluation before returning them to land.
Filipino sailor plays key role in Artemis recovery
Rabanal worked as a maintenance supervisor during the mission, contributing to the operational readiness of HSC-23 during the recovery phase.
He also shared the values that shaped him growing up in Isabela, saying:
“Growing up, I learned to always be nice to others and always help, no matter how small it could be, because you never know how much that small thing could matter to them.”
He added:
“I joined the Navy to explore the world. I am the first one in the family to join the service.”
Now serving as an aviation structural mechanic, Rabanal has been in the U.S. Navy for more than 11 years.
From Isabela to NASA mission support
His role in the Artemis II recovery highlights the global presence of Filipino service members in major international missions, including space-related operations.
From Cauayan City to the Pacific recovery zone, Rabanal’s journey reflects how discipline and service can connect local beginnings to global achievements.
