Every cruise by the JOIDES Resolution is very much a team effort. During Leg 181, we encountered several periods of unfavorable weather that affected transits, drilling, and logging operations. We acknowledge gratefully the companionship, seamanship, and drillmanship of the members of the ODP/TAMU support staff and the Sedco crew throughout the cruise, but especially during those trying times of rough seas. It is on their hard work and friendly support that the success of our scientific venture rested, and we thank them for it. We also thank the many members of the ODP committee and management systems who over the years (and it was many years!) helped and encouraged us to tune ODP Proposal 441 to the point where it bore fruit as successful ODP Leg 181.