What is a "shellback" and what happens when you become one?

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:49:42 -0500

I know the Navy has it's traditions and crossing the equator is one of them but what does it mean? Where did it start and what happens? Do you just sail across the equator and call it a day? What if you've already crossed the equator before, do you get special treatment for each time you do it again? What's up with the "Poseidon" part? Finally, what about the Marines or any joint services are on board? Do they become shell backs too or is it only for Sailors?

I'm just a dumb Army guy. Give me the dirt and educate me please!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Dec 9 at 2020 4:02 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:02:43 -0500

First rule of being a shellback is never talking about shellback...

Just kidding. Being a shellback means you have been on a ship that crossed the equator. It has supposedly been a ceremony of one sort for 400 years. Until you cross you are a wog. There is a pretty involved ceremony with shellbacks initiating the new dogs into the realm of Neptune. If a ship is near the equator, and can still accomplish their mission, they will make an effort to dip down.

There ceremony has gotten tamer over time. Now it consists mainly of a talent show, parading around, and eating some horrible stuff. Once you get the card, you never have to go through it again. It is certainly more fun being on the shellback side then the wog side !!!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 9 at 2020 4:15 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:15:24 -0500

SSG Carlos Madden Oh I Remember! Ritual Hazing was involved at One Time beating with a whip of sorts made from a cut piece of fire hose. Oh Yeah, Not quite that Drastic anymore. There are Army and Airforce "Shellbacks" if they Chose to Participate, No One is Denied the "Opportunity". The Fun starts at the Crack of Dawn, Within Reason Shellbacks can do to "Wogs" (Polywogs) whatever they want. Rank is Out the Window, Subordinates love Making Seniors "Shellbacks" out of Pollywogs, I was handed off to Scope Watchers (OSs) in the Neighboring Berthing for some Fun, After changing into the "Uniform of the Day" Skivies on the Outside. I remember lots of Eggs being shoved down My pants to be broken. LOL. Then there was Breakfast. Remember the story green eggs? Oh such a wonderful meal Funny Colored Scrambled Eggs made with Bug Juice (Kool Aid) and Sauerkraut. Eaten On the Deck since a Wog is not allowed to Rise in front of a Shellback. Then there are visits to "Stations" Royal Dentist who will shoot some foul liquid in Your Mouth (Usually Someone from Medical) Then there is Kissing the Royal Babies Belly Button (Usually the Fattest Snipe (Someone from Engineering Dept)) which is Covered in Some Sort of Grease, He'll grab You by the Ears and rub your face all over His belly (All this May Differ Slightly by Unit). Finally You'll Pass thru a Birthing Tube (It is a Rebirth of Sorts) which is Filled with a Weeks worth of Garbage. You'll Smell like Hell. I thru My Uniform over the side because of the Stink and went back to Berthing Butt Naked as Many Did for a Good Shower. You only Get to Do It Once then You are a "Shellback" so You get to Indoctrinate Pollywogs on Subsequent Crossings.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2020 1:02 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 01:02:10 -0500

Don't forget Golden Dragon and Blue Nose...

https://navycrow.com/what-in-the-blue-hell-is-a-bluenose/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_of_the_Golden_Dragon

What in the blue hell is a Bluenose? - Navy Crow

Ever wonder what a Bluenose is? Who has one? Is it even a thing anymore? It is, and Navy Crow is going to tell you how to get one.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2020 8:19 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 20:19:30 -0500

I will never forget my shellback ceremony. USS Wayne E. Meyer, DDG-108. I forgot what it was like to be that cold. If you "got into character" and realized it was all a game that was supposed to be "fun" and a right of passage, it was a fun and memorable experience. If you took things too seriously, you probably hated it. Did parts of it suck? Absolutely. I wouldn't change it for anything though.

Take a tip from me though. Do NOT go through with the JOPA crew. You will have "extra fun".

Response by PO1 John Crafton made Dec 9 at 2021 5:20 PM

PO1 John Crafton — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 17:20:26 -0500

Nope. It's a ceremony that only the shellbacks should ever know about. Don't ask.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Dec 9 at 2021 5:57 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 17:57:01 -0500

Guys I served with on cruises were part of the ceremony.