The Sea Launch team gathers on the pier for traditional farewells prior to the departure of the Sea Launch Commander.

Rob Peckham offers departing remarks to the team, with Irina Masinovsky (at left) translating for our Russian-speaking community. Keith Dayton looks on (at right).

Jeff Seto, launch vehicle manager for DIRECTV, thanks everyone for their hard work in preparing for this mission.

Steve Schmidt, spacecraft program manager for Boeing, also offers some comments before he boards the vessel.

Keith Dayton, vice president launch operations at Sea Launch, takes the traditional readiness poll of all leaders on the mission. The response is a unanimous "ready!" from the team.

With Captain Johnny Soevik leading the way, the team steps up to the gangplank and departure preparations get underway.