Carl J. Seiberlich, 84; Led Ship That Recovered Returnees From Moon

Carl J. Seiberlich, 84, a retired Navy rear admiral who in 1969 commanded the aircraft carrier that picked up returning astronauts after splashdown from the first two manned moon landings, died March 24 at Reston Hospital Center in Virginia. He suffered from coronary artery disease.

After Navy service during World War II, Seiberlich became expert in lighter-than-air craft, receiving in 1952 a Harmon international aviation trophy for “conceiving, developing and testing a pilot technique for use of lighter-than-air machines in towing.” His method was used to track submarines by sonar from the air.

Later, he reportedly was the only naval aviator qualified to land blimps, airplanes and helicopters aboard an aircraft carrier.

During the Cuban missile crisis, he had a prominent role in surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

Seiberlich took command of the Hornet, based in Long Beach, and oversaw the retrieval of Apollo 11 in July 1969 and Apollo 12 that November.

Carl Joseph Seiberlich was born July 4, 1921, in Jenkintown, Pa., and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., in 1943.

After his military retirement, Seiberlich worked for defense contractors and was director of military programs for a global container transportation company.