The Snapshots in Time Collection

US Navy 'Crossing the Line' (Shellback) Ceremony, China Station, 1930s

US Navy 'Crossing the Line' (Shellback) Ceremony, China Station, 1930s

Sailors of the pre-World War II US Navy China Station stage a 'Crossing the Line' ceremony, an age-old naval tradition marking a ship's first crossing of the equator. Crew members dressed as King Neptune's royal court initiated 'polliwog' sailors into the ranks of trusty 'shellbacks.' Project: 218181