Transcript: Change in Command Ceremony Aboard Space Station Alpha By Todd Halvorson Cape Canaveral posted: 10:15 pm ET 18 March 2001 ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Here is a transcript of the change-in-command held at 7:31 p.m EST Sunday inside the U.S. Destiny science laboratory, while all 10 astronauts and cosmonauts looked on:
Expedition One commander Bill Shepherd:
"Houston, the first expedition crew is present and accounted for. Change of command is an ancient naval tradition: the passage of responsibility for missions, welfare of crew and integrity of vessel from one individual to another.
Space Station Alpha has been commissioned in orbit. The Service Module has been activated. The power element and laboratory module have been brought aboard. A successful re-supply mission with Discovery and her crew is complete. Station is in normal condition, all systems functional and ready to carry out operations.
We are on a true spaceship now, making our way above any Earthly boundaries. We are not the first crew to board Alpha or the last to depart, but we have made Alpha come alive. We gave her a name and put substance to the ideas that our crews can work together as equals and our countries as partners -- that we may proceed with bolder and more enterprising voyages in space with benefit from our differences and with a stronger purpose in our common goals.
We pass to your care Alpha's log with the hope that many successful entries here are recorded, that explorations are prodigious and discoveries wondrous. May the good will, spirit and sense of mission we had enjoyed onboard endure. Sail her well. I am ready to be relieved."Expedition Two commander Yuri Usachev:
"And I relieve you. Congratulations on the successful completion of your flight on ISS. Thanks again [for] having station in a good condition, and we take the station from your hands to our hands, to our minds and to our hearts."
STS-102 Discovery commander Jim Wetherbee:
"For the last week the crew of Discovery has conducted underway replenishment of station Alpha. We are in awe of the skill of the designers and the builders of this vehicle.
Using the Italian-built Leonardo module, we transferred cargo and supplies to Alpha. While aboard we took great care of the systems, for this is not our ship. We merely sail on it. This ship belongs to the people of Earth.
For Captain Shepherd and his crew, we hold you in admiration as we prepare to bring you home. This has been an arduous duty for you. This ship was not built in a safe harbor. It was built on the high seas. As we sail for home on Discovery, we leave Expedition Two behind to carry on their mission of discovery aboard space station alpha.
And Houston we turn it over to you for any comments."
Mission Control Capcom Cady Coleman:
"And Alpha and Discovery from Houston. Expedition One crew: from all the people on the ground here in Houston and in Moscow and around the world [who] have supported you through this flight, it has been an honor and privilege, and you have our sincere thanks for your outstanding duty on Alpha. Your accomplishments are impressive. We witness your departure with both regret and happiness: Regret because we will miss working with you; happiness because you are speeding home towards a reunion with family and friends and a well-deserved rest.
For the Expedition Two crew, we welcome you aboard and know your service on Alpha will be as exemplary as Expedition One, and we look forward to working with you. Houston out."
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