Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite in some English-speaking countries that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. [1] The tradition may have originated with ceremonies when passing headlands, and become a "folly" sanctioned as a boost to morale, [2] or have been created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long ...
The certificate is an unofficial award of the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. With the extensive Navy operations in the Far East since (and before) World War II, this passage has become so common that few initiation ceremonies are actually held. But the certificate, decorated with Chinese-style dragon, is still given out.
A shellback or King Neptune reflects crossing the equator, and a golden dragon means a sailor has crossed the International Date Line (Domain of the Golden Dragon). [50] A golden shellback represents having crossed the equator and international date line at the same time. [59]
Likewise, a Navy or Marine Corps service member may receive medals and decorations of another military branch, if cross assigned to a command of the respective service. All Navy and Marine Corps members are eligible to receive inter-service awards and decorations as well as approved foreign awards and International awards .
Service ribbons, ribbon devices, and badge awards displayed on a Command Master Chief Petty Officer's service uniform.. Various medals, service ribbons, ribbon devices, and specific badges recognize military service and personal accomplishments of members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
U.S. Navy ribbons, pin insignias, and badge worn on the uniform of a Command Master Chief.. Insignias and badges of the United States Navy are military badges issued by the United States Department of the Navy to naval service members who achieve certain qualifications and accomplishments while serving on both active and reserve duty in the United States Navy.
When crossing the Equator at the Prime Meridian (000*), (also known as the Greenwich) Meridian, one becomes an Emerald Shellback (Emerald=Green-wich). The term Royal Diamond Shellback is sometimes (incorrectly) used to denote this unique event. When crossing the Equator at the International Date Line (180°) one becomes a Golden Shellback.
Signature of Captain Willson on Ensign Bob Fay's shellback certificate for crossing the equator probably en route to Manus Island, August 28, 1945. After training exercises in the Philippines until 27 March 1945, Diphda sortied for the invasion of Okinawa, discharging her cargo in the transport area from 1 to 10 April.