from a slimy pollywog to an official shellback

(blog written on july 10th, 2010)

The much awaited Crossing the Line ceremony started this morning at approximately 5am. The shellbacks (people who have previously passed the ceremony) initiated the pollywogs (new recruits). Basically, it was boot camp from hell! The shellbacks barged in berthing (sleeping quarters) and gave us 5 minutes to get ready for a series and hours of obstacles. We had to walk up 49 steps and down the hallway, chanting navy songs, while on our hands and knees. In summary of the initiation, basically, there was s a bunch of times where we had to do jumping jacks, push-ups, and sit-ups (those were the easy stations). We also had to sing navy songs like sponge bob, anchor‘s away, or row row row your boat throughout the stations. We were washed down with a firehose while laying on our stomachs, duck walked to different stations, got moped with jello, sang more navy songs, went up and down the ramp (on our hands and knees), went over barrels and nets while on our backs, submerged in pools of nasty water, passed spaghetti down the line after mushing it in your face, ate breakfast on the floor (literally,without using our hands and on our stomach), and much more. The worst part was bobbing for whistles after everyone had their mouths in the same bucket and whistle. I almost threw up after that part. Yes, it sounds disgusting and why would I want to do it?? Because, in retrospect, it was sooooo much fun and quite a bragging right. Crossing the line used to be strictly for the military, not only til recently have they allowed civilians to participate. We get a very cool certificate and pin, and as shellbacks, we get to initiate pollywogs in the future.
I took the longest shower ever after that, then a good nap. Woke up only because it was time for steel beach bbq on the flight deck. So cool to sit and chill on the flight deck, seeing everyone in their civilian clothes, and having fun. Today seems like a very laid back day for all -- no muster, no 1000-1600 taps (lights off in berthing), etc. We had the usual confirmation brief at 1900 where they showed a recap video of the ceremony - hilarious! of course i'm going to try to get my hands on a copy.