Sailors aboard the escort carrier USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) take part in a traditional 'Crossing the Line' ceremony during World War II, initiating first-time equator crossers ('Pollywogs') into the ranks of veteran 'Shellbacks.' Held on the flight deck amid parked carrier aircraft, such ceremonies were a longstanding naval morale tradition, though period practices sometimes reflected the racial attitudes of the time. Project: 218431