Germantown Crosses the Line
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060616-09
Release Date: 6/16/2006 4:42:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Brock Taylor, USS Germantown Public Affairs
ABOARD USS GERMANTOWN (NNS) -- USS Germantown’s (LSD 42) crew gathered on the flight deck March 6 for the “Day of Reckoning,” marking the ship’s crossing of both the equator and International Date Line.
The time-honored ceremony embraced the Navy and Marine Corps traditions of camaraderie and pride.
“The tradition of the sea and the memory of those who gave their lives in these very waters to preserve our liberties and freedoms dictates that we commemorate this day with honor and dignity," said Germantown’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. John Deehr. "When I saw the smiles on the Sailors' and Marines' faces after the ceremony, I knew we did the right thing. It was an honor and a pleasure to do something different.”
Although the ceremony didn’t carry all the traditions of past ceremonies, Germantown’s Command Master Chief, CMDCM (SW) Eric Page, said it still held true to the Navy’s recognition of "Crossing The Line," an area of the world many people never a get a chance to even see.
“On this glorious day, these Pollywogs were christened into the Royal Order of the Golden Shellbacks, a special order in which only a few are accepted,” said Page, disguised as Davey Jones.
For the newly christened shellbacks, it was a proud moment. A steel beach picnic commemorated the ceremony and served as both a celebratory meal for all new shellbacks and as a break in the routine of shipboard life during the passage from Hawaii to Australia.
For related news, visit the USS Germantown (LSD 42) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lsd42/.
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