LMAO!
Seriously, going through most of that stuff and worse in the Navy after crossing the equator makes you a Shellback, and you get a cool certificate.
No kidding. The crossing the line ceremony would have Human Rights Watch in convulsions. I ate stuff that day I wouldn't make a dog eat. But I would make Bin Laden eat it.
Kissing the feet of the person being Neptunus Rex (rubbed liberally with Linburger Cheese)was a bit of a challenge.
Ah ... memories!
FYI
Fairy Tales Begin With: "Once Upon A Time . . . "
Sea Stories Begin With: "Now This Is No **** . . . "
Perhaps the most famous and popular of all Naval traditions is the Shellback. All Sailors and Marines are subject to this ritual when they float across the equator. Other Shellback certificates include the Gold Shellback title for crossing at the International Date Line and the Emerald Shellback title for crossing at the Greenwich Meridian.
This is a Navy tradition and an event no Sailor or Marine ever forgets. With few exceptions, those who have been inducted into the "mysteries of the deep" by Neptunus Rex and his Royal court, count the experience as a highlight of their naval career. Members of Neptunus Rex's party usually include Davy Jones, Neptune's first assistant, Her Highness Amphitrite, the Royal Scribe, the Royal Doctor, the Royal Dentist, the Royal Baby, the Royal Navigator, the Royal Chaplain, the Royal Judge, Attorneys, Barbers and other names that suit the party. Officially recognized by service record entries indicating date, time, latitude and longitude, the crossing of the equator involves elaborate preparation by the "Shellbacks" (those who have crossed the equator before) to ensure the "Pollywogs" (those who are about to cross the equator for the first time) are properly indoctrinated. All pollywogs, even the Commanding Officer if he has not crossed before, must participate. The ceremony is honorable and fun. No one gets hurt.
Got all 3 ...
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