Jouett (CG 29) - Naval Cruise Book

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From Columbo we headed in a southwesterly direction. The next major event in our WEST- PAC came on 19July. It is a long standing Navy tradition to initiate those sailors crossing the Equator for the first time. These initiates are known as pollywogs or simply wogs. They can not enter the domain of NEPTUNUS REX until thoroughly purged by the Trusty Shell- backs. This entails elaborate preparations and ceremonies. ROYAL DOMAIN RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SHIPS ENTERING THESE WATERS Pollywogs will muster in the starboard for- ward passageways leading to the anchor wind- lass room as called over the IMC. All pollywogs will address all Trusty Shell- backs as Most Honorable Shellback Sir. All pollywogs will not speak unless spoken to by a Trusty Shellback. No nonsense or skylarking by pollywogs will be allowed. All Special Equator Details will be prepared to explain their special duties and the impor- tance of their watch to any Trusty Shellback upon request. All pollywogs will be prepared to provide special favors and courtesies to Trusty Shell- backs and follow any special instructions giv- en to them by a Trusty Shellback. O ' EQUATOR CROSSING All pollywogs will be down on all fours in the presence of NEPTUNUS REX and HIS COURT. Prior to entering COURT, pollywogs will shout slimy pollywog (name) request permis- sion to enter THE COURT OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS NEPTUNUS REX. All pollywogs will respond to Slippery Charges with: GUILTY AS CHARGED YOUR MAJESTY!

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■ . ' £ ' •• f m, ■ - MT . FATHER and SON SECOND PLACE WINNER PHOTO CONTEST PC3 LARRY CELLUCCI

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POLLYWOG BREAKFEST SEAWEED SUPREME S RAMBLED OCTOPUS EGGS SEA LION CAVIAR SHELLED OYSTERS FRII I) SEA URCHIN (.RILLED ABALONE SLICES (REAMED SEAGULL TONGUES - THE LINE EQUATOR °o UNIFORM OF THE DAY FOR SLIMY WOGS BY ORDER OF DAVEY JONES HIS MAJESTY ' S SCRIBE ENLISTED (16 and below). Skivey shin. Dungarees on backwards, inside out, no belt. Skivey shorts on outside of dungarees. Tennis shoes or old shoes. ( PO. Skivey shins. Khaki trousers on back- wards, inside out. Bell made lor cloth stops for those with over ten years service. Skivey shorts On OUtsidc l trousers. Tennis shoes or old shoes. OFFK ERS. Skivey shirts. Khaki trousers on backwards, inside out. ski e shorts on back wards over trousers. Tennis shoes or old shoes. The Shellback Initiation was designed for fun and diversion from our daily work. By noon. JOUETT was cleansed of all slimy pollywogs. One notable initiate was ( APTAIN MARTIN, who had steamed countless miles in his Navy career and never crossed the Equator. Another was MMl Harold Pappas, who went through the ceremony on crutches. In all 1 70 new shellbacks i rossed the line.