Ray Kaskey worked with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials to create a sculpture that would reflect their mission.  From early on, Kaskey conceived of a monumental work that would dominate the space in a dramatic way and envisioned the "Hand of NOAA"; the doves turned into the seagulls that are part of the agency's logo.  The large bronze hand reaches its fingers toward the atmosphere releasing seagulls to the ocean, continuing the agency's mission of recording and protecting the environment.