|
|
|
Reprinted from the Oklahoma City (CLG-5) December 1971 edition of
"the sooner." "Crossing the Line" ceremonies are among the most ancient of naval traditions. Since antiquity, seafaring men have used the occasion of crossing some significant sea frontier to test the worthiness of inexperienced seamen. For ancients woh navigated the Great (Mediteranean) Sea, passing through the Straits of Gibraltar was occasion for important ceremonies; the thirtieth parallel - - which is further South than any part of th eGreat Sea - - was another early frontier. More recently, the Equator and the International Date Line have become the important markers. |
|
Greek and Roman mythology influenced the earliest "Crossing the Line" ceremonies, and the sailors often offered propritiatory gestures to Neptune, Ruler of the Deep. Later ceremonies were largely intended to determine that new seamen could endure the rigors of a difficult voyage.
|
|
Typical modern "Crossing the Line" festivities combine elements
from both traditions. Thus shellbacks (those who have crossed the Line) have
certificates bearing the seal of Neptunus Rex. The "Ruler of the Raging
Main" himself is one of the principal characters in the initiation, as are Davey
Jones and other members of Neptune's royal court. While the physical
abuse suffered by the initiates is considerably less than that inflicted on seamen in
bygone days, shillalahs, fire hoses and garbage chutes are still part of the fun. |
|
The OKLAHOMA CITY crossed the Equator on November 17, 1971 en route to
Singapore. After two days of boisterous activities, about 750 "pollywogs"
(those who have not crossed the line) became "trusty shellbacks," having been
"duly initiated into the SOLEMN MYSTERIES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF THE DEEP." From Dave Rice: Oklahoma City crossed the equator again on 23 October, 1972. This time is was us shellbacks responsibility to initiate those wogs. I still have my shillalah! |
 The Wog Beauty Contest. |
 The QM Gang, with showershoes taped to their knees, wating to make the 1,200 foot crawl around the deck. |
 |
|
