Cape Kennedy , Florida : Jim Lovell , the Apollo 13 commander , and moonflight veteran , leads the crew from the suiting section to the van for transport to the rocket site . Immediately behind him are astronauts John Swigert , the substitute command module pilot , and Fred Haise . Both are making their first space trip. At back is Deke Slayton , director of Flight Crew Operations. 11th April 1970