Saratoga (CV 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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whom perched themselves precariously on the turrets and bridge structure with an eye to mixing nothing. The Admiral was seen several times, hoxrering about with a broad grin on his face, secure in the knowledge that, .st last, the most famous pollywog of them all had paid his respects to the Ruler of the Raging Klain. Likewise, the Captain and the Executive Officer, good shellbaeks of long standing, seemed to find the utmost pleas- ure in observing the expressions of terror and bewilderment on the grimy races of the initiates. It is doubted that they will soon forget the look of resignation on the visiting Army Colonel's face as he mounted the stairs to the ducking tank, though his conduct was in keeping with the fine spirit of sportsmanship always displayed by our fraternal enemies from West Point. Thus. though the Saratoga is famous for its generous Christmas par- ties. its Easter Bunnies, and other entertainments, the ordeal with Nep- tunus Rex and his merry followers should remain unparalleled for sheer enjoyment through many years-perhaps, until we find ourselves again in His llajestfs Kingdom. A NEPTUNE CERTIFICATE 'la Ancient Urder of the Deep mis is T0 CERTIFY THAT SEAMANJOEGISH g Has Been Gathered to Our Fold and Duly Initiated as A TRUSTY SHELLBACK Having Crossed the Equator Bound Southward from Panama Canal Zone f on board the If S. S. SARATOGA on May 20, 1936 at Latitude oocoo'oo Longitude 81o05'00 West 3i,1,1,'jg3' -HJNE5, NEPTUNUS REX, D HL: ,llajerrylr Scribe. Ruler of the Raging Mazn. tha, , ' -nz: e::-anus..--causal ' ' 3113:-- nululnllI lausinnlnn iuulll nlllnluauulnil :null hatilk new Shellback received two copies of the above certificate. One ara- placed in his service record and the other was given to him as a i.4'l,5'f1 'f'll?' 'ff' prove to all comers that he had been there and had suite rec f y Behold the Queen! She was with us strong-Amphitrite-the beautiful queen of the Briny Deep. In all the splendor and glory of the regal court, she came aboard, leaning upon the strong arm of her majestic mate, the great Neptune. Beautiful as Hebe, with a form doubly discounting Diana, Minerva's brow, eyes like stars, and 'lips that would throw a ruby into fourteen varieties of fits. Say! Boy! Wasnlt she a dope-tinted dreamy dream! The satin gown, the diamond studded slippers, the silken hose, and her great wealth of golden hair, bound by a jeweled crown of indescribable beauty and priceless worth! Oh, Neptune, why treat us to such a bunch of loveliness, only to tear her from us with nary a word of explanation? And the Royal Princess-Wow! Boy, oh boy, oh boy, how the neo- phytes jumped at the chance to kiss her dimpled knee. She was so gracious, so lovely, so demure. When that bit of dainty femininity 'disappeared down the hawse pipe a sigh could be heard emanating from the chests of the onlookers calculated to tear the heart out of the ruthless Bears, themselves. Oh well! It were life to have basked in the sunshine of her glowing smile, and we are thankful to have lived while these two ravishing beauties were aboard our ship. - A Record The following number of men were enrolled in the Royal Ranks of Shellbacks among the carriers: Saratoga ..... .... 1 785 Lexington .... 1706 Ranger .... -- 829 Langley ..... -- 491 Total ....... ..-- 4 81 1 Thirty-five

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eptune's Band of Brothers Presents Admiralt Banter N THE 19th of lVIay Admiral lVl. Reeves, Commander-inlChief of the United States Fleet and senior shellback of the fleet, sent the following despatches to his forces: ' The senior shellback of the United States Fleet, the Commander-in- Chief, has reported to His Imperial Highness, Neptunus Rex, the High Ruler of all the seas, that he is approaching the headquarters of the Royal Domain with the largest number of pollywogs and tadpoles ever to be brought at a single time to pay homage to his highness and to seek admis- sion into the loyal order of shellbacks. There has just been received by seaweed communications in kelp code information that Davey Jones, Peg-Leg and the Royal Scribe, is being dispatched by His Gracious Highness, Neptunus Rex, via Sea Horse squad- rons to board each vessel and to serve notice on all slimy fish to be prepared at 0830 tomorrow, Wednesday, to appear before the Royal Court ready to forswear their uncertain standing as amateur sailors and prepare to achieve the August and Glorious status as a loyal subject in the order of shellbacks. For five minutes from 1900 to 1905 today, Tuesday, all ships will stop on signal to receive on board Davey Jones. Rockets will be fired and searchlights used to illuminate hawse pipes. All loyal shellbacks now on board are enjoined to be prepared to render full assistance to the Royal Court when it boards their vessels tomorrow to insure each Pollywog a full and thorough conversion into a worthy shellback. On Wednesday, tomorrow, at 0830, King Neptune will board the fleet. All ships will fire a three-gun salute and stop on signal for five min- utes. Display the royal Hag of King Neptune at the mast truck for thirty minutes and render full honors as befits the occasion. The loyal order of shellbacks will then proceed with the thorough initiation of all pollywogs on board. K Thirty-four On Wednesday after he and his forces had received a very thorough initiation Vice Admiral Butler sent to Admiral Reeves the following mes- sage: Commander Aircraft, Battle Force, the senior P0l15'w02 Of il? United States Fleet, is now a shellbackf' The Commander-in-Chief sent back the following answer: VVelcome Admiral Butler, to the ranks of the Royal Order of Shellbacks. Better late than never. Admiral Butler had this answer to make: Honored by welcome ri Royal Drder from the Senior Shellback. VVill endeavor to be a worth, member from now on. Carrier Division One greatly appreciated and is enjoying thiseopportunity to visit the Royal Realms ot His hracioie. Majesty, Neptunus Rexf' Greatest Celebration of All It is difficult to remember when the officers and men have been iriwi boisterously receptive, and the electric eagerness with which all awaited fbi ceremonies was a tribute to the Navy's oldest tradition. Brass-hat and 1-ii' prentice, alike crowed about the hemp bewhiskered figure who is dear the hearts of all true seamen, anxious to pay homage to his mighty liirigvf: As is the custom, the officers were initiated first into the mysteries f the deep. They ran the gauntlet, kissed the Royal Dogs, shook hands w iii His Nlajesty, were painted and greased and oiled under the benign s f,, te' veillance of the Royal Chaplain, and. at last. ran squirming and twisfiza through another barrage of paddles to the envied estate of Msliellback. The officers were followed by the men who suffered the same tate .mt achieved the same triumph as the last paddle was swished. Throughout the initiation, the scene was one of the wildest hilaiiti Large crowds of spectators surrounding the center of activity. mam it i s.

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Thirty-six C 1 fa., r:1:iEL In Dry Dock Flying ilu' Church Pfnnant f