How sad... I still have my father’s card signed by Neptunus Rex, aka King Neptune. He crossed the line several times, thus attaining the informal title “Crusty Old Shellback. Being a WWII Pacific Fleet Submariner, he lived more during his time in the navy than many people live in their whole lives. Going through multiple depth charge attacks by Japanese destroyers really made him appreciate life for the rest of his days. I sure miss him...
Just as the DoD has been changed back to the Department of War, the old traditions should be resurrected. Traditions build strong teams.
Tradition? Oh boy. That’s a bad word in today’s Navy. Used to be one of the Core Values. Integrity, Professionalism, and Tradition. Those were the values I came into the Navy with. They were in place from at least the 50s, but they were changed in ‘92 to Honor, Courage and Commitment. Gee... What happened around ‘92 to necessitate a change? Tailhook 1991. The brass and politicians figured “Tradition” is what got folks into trouble, so the traditions started going away. “Tacking” on pins and Crows went away, the Chiefs Initiation is is now Chief Petty Officer Selectee Training and is unrecognizable from what I was privileged to go through. Same with several traditional ceremonies in the Fleet, Seabees, and SPECWAR. Heck, everyone can wear Khakis now, no longer reserved for CPOs and above. Man, that was my incentive to make Chief!! I wanted those khakis. Now, meh... Everyone has them. I’m glad I went in when I went in, but I’m happier I got out when I got out.