Pollywog to Shellback – A Tradition In the U.S. Navy, when a ship crosses the equator, a time honored ceremony takes place. This is a Navy tradition and an event no sailor ever forgets. With few exceptions, those who have been inducted into the “mysteries of the deep” by Neptune Rex and his royal court, count the experience as a highlight of their naval career. Members of Neptune Rex’s party usually include Davy Jones, Neptune’s first assistant, Her Highness Amphitrite, the Royal Scribe, the Royal Doctor, the Royal Dentist, the Royal Baby, the Royal Navigator, the Royal Chaplain, the Royal Judge, Attorneys, Barbers and other names that suit the party. Officially recognized by service record entries indicating date, time, latitude and longitude, the crossing of the equator involves elaborate preparation by the “shellbacks” (those who have crossed the equator before) to ensure the “pollywogs” (those who are about to cross the equator for the first time) are properly indoctrinated. All pollywogs, even the Commanding Officer if he has not crossed before, must participate.

T’was nine in the morning and all was well, King Neptune arrived and we rang ten bells. The royal court was displeased beyond compare. The pollywogs did more than they should have dared! The slimy band was assembled at the bow, Not one was better than a fat, slothful sow, Some of the slime were attired as women. All resembled the worse kind of vermin. The depraved were deloused, cleansed and then The slimy crew was transformed into men. Brave shellbacks remained where the filth had been, All Hail to the “King of the Ranging Main ”