June 16 - Every mission begins with the traditional departure ceremonies ... friends gather to bid farewell ... speeches set the tone ... an informal readiness survey indicates all leads are prepared for the mission. Here, Jim Maser, Sea Launch President (right), offers best wishes to Ken Hill, Vice President of Launch Operations (center), while Ivan Klytchnikov (left), translates.

Yuliya Ignatyeva, translator (foreground), Dr. Valery Aliev, rocket segment manager, and other teammates at the rail ... wave goodbye to those below on the pier, shortly before the Sea Launch Commander sails.

Teammates on every deck line the railing to experience departure from Sea Launch Home Port.

Kurt Ersland, Safety Officer on the Sea Launch Commander, at the controls of a lifeboat during an evacuation drill held shortly after departure.

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