Ranger (CV 61) - Naval Cruise Book

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SO Y U WANNA BE A SHELLBACK The boisterous ceremonies of Cross- ing the Line are of such ancient vin- tage that their derivation is lost,- such horse-play took place in the middle ages, and even before that when ships crossed the thirtieth parallel or passed through the Straits of Gibral- tar. These early ceremonies were ex- tremely rough and to a large degree were supposed to test the crew to de- tennine whether or not the novices - the boots - on their first cruise could endure the hardships of a sea life. Then, as now, it was primarilya crew's party. The Vikings are reported to have practiced similar ceremonies on crossing certain parallels. lt is highly probable that the present day cere- mony was passed on to the Anglo- Saxons and Normans from the Vi- kings. At an even earlier time there is record of ceremonies of propitiation. Neptune, the mythological god of the seas, was appeased by the seaman, and marks of respect were paid those of his underwater domain. It is plausi- ble that a part of the present ceremo- ny grew out of superstitions of those days even though Viking sailors had come to doubt the physical existence of Neptune. Nevertheless, Neptunus Rex is today the majesty who rules in the ceremonies. Bonafide Sons of Neptune always compose the cast for present day ceremonies. Those who have Crossed the Line are called Sons of Neptune, or Shellbacks. Sai- lonnen treasure the Neptune certifi- cates issued in latitude 00-00 and longitude . . and usually ad- dressed to all Mermaids, Sea Ser- pents, Whales, Sharks, Porpoises, Dolphins, Skates, Eels, Suckers, Lob- sters, Crabs, Flying Fish, Pollywogs, and the living things of the sea . . . and usually stating that so-and-so has been found worthy to be numbered as one of our Trusty Shellbacks, has been gathered to our fold and duly initiated into the solemn mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep. The crossing of the line ceremonies of the modern Navy are most picturesque. The discomfort of a good dousing in the tank, a slow crawl through the slime of a garbage chute, and the slap-happy shaving ceremonies com- prise the most unpleasant features of the initiation. lt is a tradition that all officers and men undergo the initi- ation. The oldest and most dignified senior Sh ellback member of the crew is customarily selected as Neptunus Rex, his first assistant is Davy Jones. Her Highness Amphitrite is usually a good-looking seaman who will appear well-dressed in a dishabille of sea- weed and rope yams. The court con- sists of the Royal Scribe, the Royal Doctor, the Royal Dentist, and other names that suit the fancy of the Nep- tune party. On the night before the ship crosses the line, it is custom that Davy Jones shall appear on board with a message to the Captain from His Majesty, Neptunus Rex, stating at what time he wants the ship hove to for the reception of the Royal Party, and with specific summons for certain men to appearbefore him. This recep- tion of Davydones usually takes place after dark and may be most impres- sive. l'le is always received in a digni- fied manner by the Captain and Offi- cer of the Deck. NCCM Distefano PH1 Sevigny 286 WOG DA Y C WO2 Martin -....,.,.,.W.,.n..,.....7..,...... . , . ..... . . .,.. . .M . . . , .T..j,..........,..T.:.T.. Y- W .. Y, 57 J 1: A - 'Ki M711 A V A V . ll e ff' --- C WO2 Marlin