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Nearly 900 Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) were
"cleansed of their slime" on November 25, 2017 after participating in the age old ceremony
of crossing the equator or "line".
The crossing the line ceremony (pollywog revolt) is an exclusive maritime experience hailing from
the days of hardened Sailors aboard wooden ships courageously venturing out into
the unforgiving environment of the open ocean, and is a equatorial pastime that
will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
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November 25, 2017 - Sailors participate in a crossing the line
ceremony (pollywog revolt) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS
Wasp (LHD 1). The crossing the line ceremony is a naval tradition
which recognizes when members of the crew cross the equator for the
first time. Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan to conduct a
turnover with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the
forward-deployed flag ship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th
Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 1st Class Jessica Bidwell)
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As the ship approaches the line King Neptune, a mythical god of the sea, detects
an infestation of Pollywogs, the term given to those who have not crossed the
equator before, and deems it necessary to take control of the ship to rid it of
this plagued condition. King Neptune is represented by the most senior
Shellback, or Sailor who has previously crossed the line, aboard, usually a
senior officer or chief petty officer who became a Shellback decades earlier.
Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Thomas Kreindheder, Wasp’s selected King
Neptune for the ceremony, earned the title of Shellback in 1993.
"The ceremony has changed a lot since I went through," said Kreindheder.
"Our ceremony lasted 48 hours and it was more of an initiation than
a camaraderie event. Our goal with this ceremony was to make sure
the Sailors were challenged both mentally and physically but were
also smiling and laughing the whole way through. The photos of the
event prove that we accomplished that goal."
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November 25, 2017 - Sailors participate in a crossing the line
ceremony (pollywog revolt) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS
Wasp (LHD 1). The crossing the line ceremony is a naval tradition
which recognizes when members of the crew cross the equator for the
first time. Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan to conduct a
turnover with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the
forward-deployed flag ship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th
Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 3rd Sean Galbreath)
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Pollywogs aboard Wasp were guided through a series of obstacles, both physically
and mentally challenging, which were led by the 137 Shellbacks aboard. Upon
completion each Pollywog was summoned by King Neptune and his royal court and
relieved of their slime, successfully completing their journey from Pollywog to
Shellback.
"It was a cool experience," said Aerographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Skyler
Senteno. "I was skeptical at first but there were a lot more events than I
thought and I really enjoyed it; it was an honor to be part of the
tradition and become a Shellback."
The time honored tradition of the Crossing the Line ceremony heralds from a time
when such a feat was a grave undertaking. While with the technology of today
Sailors are more at ease with their sea travels, the time away from family,
especially around the holidays, can take its toll.
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November 25, 2017 - New "shellbacks" aboard the amphibious
assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) "cleanse" themselves to finalize their
transformation from "pollywogs" to shellbacks during a crossing the
line ceremony. The crossing the line ceremony (pollywog revolt) is a
naval tradition which recognizes when members of the crew cross the
equator for the first time. Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan to
conduct a turnover with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the
forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th
Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 3rd Class Levingston Lewis)
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"Ceremonies like Crossing the Line are invaluable for the crew. They instill
pride and a sense of accomplishment that links Sailor to those that have gone
before us," said Command Master Chief Greg Carlson. "The ceremony has evolved to
over the years to one of teamwork and unity which allows
Sailors to craft memories that they will cherish forever."
Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan, to conduct a turnover with the USS Bonhomme
Richard (LHD 6) as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious forces in the
U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica Bidwell
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2018
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