What are all the "unofficial" orders and titles a sailor can get?

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:35:55 -0500

US Navy and Coastie Side Quests:

I know about the Order of Neptune and being a Shellback (vs. Pollywog), but what other traditions, titles and orders exist for sailors?

Chime in if you have one of these unofficial titles and let us know how you got it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2024 4:43 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:43:03 -0500

SSG Carlos Madden A Marine will chime in. I earned the title of "Honorary Submariner." on June 3, 1970. I was at Camp Pendleton for a training exercise. As part of the exercise, we paddled two rafts from the shore to the Submarine USS Bugara (SS 321). We stowed the rafts and submerged for about eight hours. We were treated very nice by all aboard and were provided a spaghetti dinner on fine china. We were also provided Honorary Submariner cards signed by the Captain, S.W. Adams Jr., LCDR, USN. At night, we surfaced, climbed in our rafts and continued the operation.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 19 at 2024 6:30 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:30:11 -0500

Boot (most junior) and Bull (most senior) Ensign. Boots are typically required to carry a real boot around with them everywhere. We Seabees had a working boot filled with concrete with a rebar handle. The ceremonial boot was required to have a perfect shine. Bulls typically wear the large rank device on their collar tab.
OAE: Old Antarctic Explorer. I'm one of them.