USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39) 1962 CARIBBEAN Sweatshirt

USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that served the United States Navy from her commissioning in 1945 through decommissioning in 1966. Originally designated CV-39, she was later redesignated as an antisubmarine warfare carrier (CVS). She is perhaps best remembered as the recovery ship for the Mercury and Gemini space programs — her crew recovered John Glenn after the Friendship 7 mission in 1962 and the Gemini 3 crew in 1965. This product commemorates her 1962 Caribbean deployment, during which Lake Champlain operated in the Atlantic and Caribbean while also serving this historic role in America's space program. Wear it with pride to honor all who served aboard CV/CVS-39.