Tuscaloosa (LST 1187) - Naval Cruise Book

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Q4 Nevertheless, Neptunus Rex is today the majesty that rules in the ceremonies. Those who have crossed the line are called Shell- backsf' These Sons of Neptune compose the cast for the present day ceremonies. lt is a curious fact of human nature, but Pollywogs will suffer a very severe initi- ation in order to becorne Shellbacks. The Crossing- the-Line ceremonies of today's modern Navy have retained Much of the tra- ditional discomforts and are picturesque. Al- though the physical discomforts seem se- vere, and the initiation cannot be called ex- tremely rough, as most of the inflictions usu- ally affect only one's pride. Those who sur- vive the initiation become Shellbacks , the Sons of Neptune. The eldest and most digni- fied Shellback of the crew is usually selected as Neptunus Rex, his first assistant is Davy Jones. Her Highness Amphitrite is usually one who will appear well in deshabille of seaweed and rope yarns with his face made up so as to appear very alluring. The court in general consists of the Royal Scribe, the Royal Dentist, Royal Doctor and the Royal Chaplain and others that suit the fancy of the party. QABOVE LEFTJ: Neptunus Rex oversees the proceedings with his lovely queen, Yates, ruling by his side. QABOVE 81 LEFTJ: Royal Baby nabs another wog- QBOTTOM LEFTJ: Dental hygiene ser- vices are provided free of charge for the underpriveleged wogs. QBELOWJ: The Royal Court in Session. 419 'wi . , PC P -it -M T. 5 I .ill E If

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THE ANCIENT TRADITION OF BECOMING A SI-IELLBACK The ceremonies of Crossing the Line are of such ancient vintage that their deriva- tion is lost. lt is well known that ceremonies took place long ago when the ship crossed the thirtieth parallel and also when going through the Straits of Gibraltar. These early ceremonies were of the roughest sort and were, to a great extent, supposed to try the crew to determine whether or not the nov- ices on their first cruise would endure the hardships of a life at sea. Then, as is the custom of the present time, it was primarily a crew's party. Neptunus Ftex, the mythologi- cal God of the seas, was appeased by the seamen, and marks of respect were paid those of his underwater domain. It is plausi- ble that a part of the ceremony grew out of tradition of other days, even though sailors had come to doubt the existence of Nep- tune. 1.1 5, it CTOPJI: Siipts senior wogs stand before Dave Jones in an attempt to match wits. Not even coming 3052 Irmlhletr Sttemigghxe-y were all issued subpoenas and ordered to appear before the Royal Court her Q' d? hex- I E I-EFTI. A beauty pageant contestant ravishly assaults the Captain during ' ou an is, performance. KABCVE QABOVE RIGHU: Shy Miss Olson struts her stuff in a attempt to win the judge s hearts. She won the hearts, but not the crown. A dashing display of coura e QLEFTI' Davy Jones escorts the newly crowned queen down the runway for all to see Q I I I , I' i I I l I I I I I

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The Bears have a difficult task of rounding up the uninitiated, and also dousing watches in the canvas water tank. The fat- test Shellback is dressed in a diaper and is designated as the Royal Baby. All Pollywogs are required to pay homage to the Royal Baby by kissing his belly. The night before the ship crosses the line it is the custom that Davy Jones will appear on board with a mes- sage to the Captain from His Majesty Nep- tunus Rex, stating at what time he wants the ship to have the reception of the Royal Par- ty, and with summons for the Pollywogs to appear before the Royal Court for trial. ,,,,.M.,.,....-my-V QBELOWDZ Aboard, Shellback. You finally made it. Welcome A mouthful of joy. i i i i vt WaShiVlQ off the slime after initiation