Posted on Jun 4, 2014
How many Shellbacks, Golden Dragons, Golden Shellbacks, Blue Noses and Plank Owners do we have here?
79.6K
297
158
19
19
0
It's a Navy/Marine Corps thing. You cross the Equator on a ship you are a Shellback, You cross the Date Line on a ship you are a Golden Dragon. If you cross the Equator at the Date Line you are a Golden Shellback. If you cross the Arctic Circle you are a Blue Nose. If you are the first crew of a ship or unit you are a Plank Owner.
Posted in these groups: 
Tradition
Tradition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 87
3
3
0
I am a Golden Shelllback. Crossed the 180th at the Equator in 1981 aboard the USS Halsey CG-23. Also a plank owner or the USS Kinkaid DD-965.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
I have achieved the following:
The Order of the Blue Nose
The Order of the Ditch
The Order of the Rock
The Safari to Suez
The Emerald Shellback or Royal Diamond Shellback
The Order of the Spanish Main
The Order of the Blue Nose
The Order of the Ditch
The Order of the Rock
The Safari to Suez
The Emerald Shellback or Royal Diamond Shellback
The Order of the Spanish Main
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
3
3
0
Shellback & Golden Dragon - many times on the USS California 84-87. Shellback initiation was great as Pollywogs outnumbered the shellbacks 10-1. Wasn't so great for those folks that came onboard after we crossed! Almost a blue nose - was within 10 miles of Arctic circle when Captian Richard Williams the third chose to turn around against the wishes of the MC of the boat. Still have my cards and posters up on the wall.
(3)
(0)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
A Golden Grizzly, Outstanding, I served on CGN-36 the speed demon of Nuclear Cruisers. Got my Shellback onboard CGN-41 USS Arkansas and went to War both times on Arkansas, Desert Storm in 91 as TAD and Desert Strike in 96 as Ship's Company.
(1)
(0)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Chucky V, I know her well watched her on her last RCOH in Bremerton. Was in her Battle Group for Desert Strike in 96 and if I am not mistaken my Son in Law was of Chucky Vs CIWS Techs.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
I'm an honorable shellback, crossed on the USS Leahy CG16 during '86-'87 Westpac
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
A thank you from your fellow Veterans. If ever you decide to do the crossing let us know Pollywog we will be more than happy to assist you.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
PO1,
Very interesting look into Navy life! My grandfather was in the Navy around the time of the Korean war and told me stories of the traditions (What we would now call hazing) upon crossing the equator. Are these traditions still a thing?
Very interesting look into Navy life! My grandfather was in the Navy around the time of the Korean war and told me stories of the traditions (What we would now call hazing) upon crossing the equator. Are these traditions still a thing?
(3)
(0)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
I think the flavor has changed some. No more shellaleys (Cut Sections of Fire Hose to beat you with). Much more of a team buidling exercise with PT and the such. I would hope that there are still some of the same character actors but it is much more toned down.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
I haven't but would like to. How would you guys treat a Soldier that was aboard crossing these lines? Would he/she go through the same rituals as a sailor/marine?
(3)
(0)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
You cross the equator with A Shellback, Don't matter what uniform you wear you will find a Shellback more than willing to indoctrinate you Pollywog.
(4)
(0)
CPT Brandon Christensen
Now my next step is to figure out a way to get orders to get on a boat, cross the lines and get paid for this "training"
(2)
(0)
3
3
0
I'm a Shellback. Went thru the ceremony during the '89 World Cruise on the USS Enterprise.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google