Crossing the Line Ceremony

The Shellback The Shellback Ceremony, also known as the Crossing the Line Ceremony, is a long-standing naval tradition observed by the U.S. Navy and other maritime forces worldwide. It is a rite of passage for sailors crossing the equator for the first time, transforming them from “Pollywogs” (novice sailors) into “Shellbacks” (seasoned seafarers). The ceremony […]