Saratoga (CV 3) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 38 text:

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

Page 37 text:

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

Page 39 text:

a, E -a :wx kb- , E... 31,3 i rf' ' f lk. H, 3? Q? 45 .X 4,11 T77-'? ., x. , 'F '. ,x...Qff Siflrr Shipf In Dflira Flores-Panama Canal Thiriy-sewn