On July 24, 1969, Balzarini was part of the crew of the U.S.S. Hornet, the ship that plucked astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins from the Pacific Ocean after the trio splashed down from the first landing on the moon.

“He actually was part of the crew that moved the helicopter into position on deck after it landed from picking up the astronauts from the sea,” said Mike’s son Bren Balzarini. “He said it was an experience he would never forget and he was honored to be part of the recovery mission. When he came back to the states, people really were excited to say they knew someone from Negaunee that was part of such a big thing to happen, not only in the U.S.A. but in the world.”

Just 20 at the time, Mike Balzarini had joined the Navy to avoid being drafted into the U.S. Army, said his younger brother Mark.

“Mike talked about the splashdown a lot. For a 20-year-old, it really was a sight to see,” Mark Balzarini said. “And he got some good photos, for sure.”

Negaunee native Mike Balzarini was a witness to history and took photos of the Apollo 11 astronauts when they were picked up after splash down on July 24, 1969 after being the first men on the moon. From the left: astronauts Edwin Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins peek out from the containment vessel on the U.S.S. Hornet. (Photo courtesy of Balzarini family)

The photos Mike Balzarini snapped include one of the three astronauts in their capsule in the ocean and another of President Richard M. Nixon walking toward the astronauts after they had been brought aboard the Hornet.

“Every year since I could remember he would reminisce about the experiences of that day,” Bren Balzarini said. “And of course he was also there for the Apollo 12 (second moon mission), which splashed down on Nov. 24, 1969.”

Mike Balzarini served more than four years in the U.S. Navy, then returned to Negaunee. He worked for U.P. Power Co. for many years and continued to enjoy taking photos and making movies, his younger brother said.

“Mike loved to fish and to hunt,” Mark said. “And he liked Elvis.”

Mike Balzarini died unexpectedly on Sept. 29, 2008. He was 59 years old.

The capsule that took three U.S. astronauts into space for man’s first walk on the moon is shown aboard the U.S.S. Hornet 50 years ago. (Photo courtesy of Balzarini family)

“He really enjoyed talking about it and had been in The Mining Journal a few times after the events,” Bren said of his father. “Once I think around 1984 for the 15th anniversary and (another time). He passed in 2008, about a year before the 40th anniversary.”

Mike Balzarini may be gone, but the photos he took on that July day are left as a reminder of when he was a witness to history.

Renee Prusi can be contacted at 906-228-2500, ext. 240. Her email address is rprusi@miningjournal.net.

Balzarini poses in front of the capsule. (Photo courtesy of Balzarini family)