CHELSEA, MASS. (WHDH) - When the crew of the Artemis II splash down Friday night, they’ll be retrieved by a crew that includes a United States Navy Sailor from Massachusetts.
Chelsea-native Vlad Link is the Chief Hospital Corpsman and member of the dive medical team. He will open the Orion capsule, assess the astronauts, and safely remove them when they arrive back to Earth.
Link grew up in Chelsea and attended the city’s public high school where he played football and was interested in robotics.
Massachusetts State Representative Judith Garcia is a childhood friend of Link’s, and said he came from humble beginnings. He is a first-generation American; his mother is from Mexico and his father is from Russia.
“Just seeing our parents so determined, so resilient, working everyday and showing up for our families. I think thats what kept us going, working really hard,” Garcia said. “He is carrying a special momento with him throughout the whole mission, so its nice he’s carrying that bit of Chelsea and he’s so proud of the legacy he’s leaving behind.”
Garcia said the mission has been a dream of Link’s since they were growing up.
“I remember when we used to dream and plan for the future,” Garcia said. “He would talk about his passion for space and eventually being able to take a key role, and today he will be one of the four individuals in the recovery mission for Artemis II.”
City officials say Link is an inspiration to the next generation of Chelsea Public Schools students.
“This, in particular, is such a great opportunity to show them anything is possible,” said Chelsea Deputy City Manager Devon Fields.
Link has 18 years of experience, and said the mission is a highlight of his career.
“I’m proud to represent both my family and hometown,” he said. “Contributing our efforts to NASA and the Artemis II mission is something we take great pride in as part of that legacy.”
Splashdown is expected at 8:07 p.m. EST.
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