Most modern navies have instituted regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony. In 1995, a notorious line-crossing ceremony took place on the Royal …

Feb 15, 2025 · The U.S. Navy's Crossing the Line or Shellback ceremony is an old tradition that marks a sailor’s first equator crossing, transforming them from a Slimy Pollywog into a Trusty Shellback

Sep 5, 2019 · Crewmen aboard the destroyer USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD-968) participate in the traditional shellback initiation ceremony during exercise Unitas XXI. The shellback initiation takes …

Aug 1, 2024 · Although crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel, navies have celebrated the time-honored tradition for centuries. Back in the days of wooden …

Oct 23, 2015 · As the battle to include women on long-term Navy cruises ramped up—along with the campaign to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”—so too began a huge backlash against the age old ceremony.

Jan 29, 2025 · Discover the history and details of the Navy's legendary Shellback tradition and the Crossing the Line ceremony. Learn what makes this ritual so meaningful.

According to the ceremony, a senior officer who is a Trusty Shellback, will dress as King Neptune and call upon his subjects to initiate charges. Apart from the physical endurance activities, the ceremony …

In this engaging video, we'll take you through the modern Shellback Ceremony aboard navy ships. You'll learn about the origins of this maritime tradition and how it continues to be a lively...

The crossing calls for much ceremony, with crew often putting on elaborate shows to mark the occasion - holding court, trying pollywogs, and practicing arcane rituals.

Mar 22, 2021 · If you do not know the answer, perhaps you have not crossed the equator in a United States Navy vessel. There is an elaborate ceremony that takes place onboard ship and is a great …