NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer departed North Kingstown, Rhode Island, this morning at approximately 0900 and began transiting out to our Leg II operating area along the Atlantic continental margin. Our team has spent the last few months prepping remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) Deep Discoverer and Seirios, testing new equipment, mapping potential dive targets, working with the science and management community to identify priority areas, and refining our operating plans for the two ROV cruises that will occur over the next month. Today, the onboard crew is busy getting familiar with the ship, reviewing safety procedures and preparing for upcoming operations. Our first ROV dive is planned for tomorrow and will be primarily focused on engineering tests and calibrations.