New Orleans (LPH 11) - Naval Cruise Book

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'li'- The traditional crossing-the-line ceremony was character- ized' by anticipation, apprehension, high spirits, hard work and fun. The shellbacks labor resulted in colorful, artistic costumes and functional, innovative staging. With subpoenas in hand on the day of the ceremony the lowly polliwogs made their way from the hangar deck to the flight deck where a cordon of hardy shellbacks eagerly awaited. The polliwogs began the initiation on all fours and proceeded to run the line of fearsome paddlers. King Neptune in full regalia, attended by his Royal Court, waited on his throne at the end of the line to hear the charges and pronounce judgment. The standard punishment was the Uopportunityi' to pay respect to the Royal Baby. The Royal Babies had their bellies smeared thick with axle and baking grease. All polliwogs were enticed to plant a big kiss on the Royal Baby's belly. Though whether they did or not, all polliwogs emerged with grease covered countenance. The Royal Dentist encouraged all polliwogs to sample his special tobasco sauce mouthwash and the Royal Doctor likewise prescribed a specially unsavory medicine for all polliwog ailments. Further down the line the shellbacks had constructed an ice filled coffin and a pillory for unruly polliwogs. The climax of the ceremony was an old fashioned dunking in a pool of salt water, green dye and garbage, which was enjoyed by all . . .Shellbacks After all polliwogs had been initiated into the realm, King Neptune relinquished command and returned to the depths satisfied that his domain was secure. Today, King Neptune does live on in spirit . . . still, that is a very real spirit. just ask one of the New Orlean's crewmen about King Neptune and His Royal Court. I'm sure you'll find that he'll shiver his timbers at the mention of Latitude OO-OO. An unruly' polliwog is led away to face individual treatment. David Fox, Associate Producer for CBS on board, leaps into People's Pool. Directly behind lVlr. Fox is Tony Sargent, the CBS commentator heard round the world on the Apollo 14 recovery. ' 'i ' 'M

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The Royal Court i The Royal Babies The Royal Doctor administers The Royal Coffin The pillory

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APCDLLO 14 BAR-B'Q ire y,5 l 'Xl I The barbeque held on the flight deck provided a welcome break between , r SllVlEXes and was one of the highlights of the cruise NEWT i X ' PICAYU E By Bill Coulter of The Houston Post Aboard this prime recovery ship a happy crew enjoyed a Cajun style barbeque Sunday. A sight on the flight deck was crew members and officers wolfing down huge amounts of steaks, ham- burgers, hotdogs and all the trimmings. The barbeque which had been planned days before, was made happier by the successful liftoff of astronauts Alan Shepard, Ed Mitchell and Stuart Roosa. The New Orleans, third ship to bear the name of that Southern city, slowed to a crawl as crewmen went through the mess line on the flight deck and bathed in the sun. A Earlier the ship had moved into position where she could recover the astronauts should they abort their mission. When the astronauts lifted off at ll:O3 AM, ship's time, the crewmen aboard New Orleans had been silent. There was no rousing cheer, but many kept their fingers crossed as an added boost. The ship will steam north back toward Samoa, crossing possible abort points along the way. On Saturday she will pick up some dignitaries and then race south again to be in the scheduled splashdown area February 9th, ,