Single Parents of Navy Sailors

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Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 27, 2008 at 1:07am

Sorry-- after two kids sailing around the oceans I've started to use a lot of Navy-speak. Becoming a shellback is a ceremonythe navy has done for a loooooong time - whenever a sailor crosses the equator for the first time they go though a "initiation" to become a sheelback. Until then sailors are known as polywogs. I think the tradition must go back a couple of hundred years and is also done in the merchant marines (I learned that Wednesday night!!!). It used to be quite a hazng ceremony lasting many hours but now only takes a couple of hours is is pretty mild compared to what it traditonally was. The Navy takes is serious enough that becoming a shellback is part of thier personnel file. I'm sure some of our vets can tell us more but the ceremony is capped by having "King Neptune" declare that the pollywogs have transitioned and are now offical Shellbacks. The vet I was speaking with this last week told me they had to (early 70's) crawl through a tunnel filled with old garbage and covered in grease .... King Neptune was the cook (they seemed to always a pretty ample belly) and each pollywog had to beg to be admitted to the ranks of the Shellback and kiss the King's belly.....a jolly good time for all!!

I may have some pics of Kat's shellback ceremony...if I can find I'll post some!! And a final note...Eric is on the Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

Comment by Michele on September 25, 2008 at 5:07pm

What does 'shellback' mean Paul? What ship is he on?

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 24, 2008 at 6:46pm

Hi all...got a note from Eric...looks like he'll cross the equator this week and become a shellback!! Another huge milestone!!

Comment by Sindy on September 24, 2008 at 1:38pm

Thank you Jason's Dad :) .. My son just called to let me know he classed up today and starts his 1st phase of training tomorrow.

Comment by Jon on September 23, 2008 at 7:33pm

Welcome Aboard Sindy !!!

Comment by Michele on September 23, 2008 at 6:57pm

Yes my son just classed up Friday but he finally told me today about it lol. He is in Pensacola too. I do good most days but each time he makes another advancement I worry again for a day or two until I hear word from him and he sounds good. I suppose that is why he waited the few days before telling me about classing up, skipped all that worrying for me lol. He really loves me :). I am so glad your son is doing well and is finding something positive to do with his waiting . . . also good to hear you are doing well !

Comment by Sindy on September 23, 2008 at 9:43am

Michele ~ I haven't been on much lately and missed your welcome. Thank you! I'm doing fairly well, there are days that still get me down, but for them most part everything is moving along smoothly. :)

My sailor is in FL waiting to class-up, but he is positive and looking at this as time to continue his strength training for Search & Rescue training.

I hope all is well for all on here :)

Comment by Michele on September 20, 2008 at 12:46pm

Hey Sindy! Welcome to the group, I apologize missing your joining, please forgive me. . . How is everything on your end going? Your sailor doing well? Let us know :).

Comment by Michele on September 20, 2008 at 12:43pm

Hopefully he will be off to home to see dad!! :) Thanks for the update. . .how are you doing?

Hope everyone is hearing from their sailors and all is going well for them! My son is getting to see his dad this weekend, his dad didn't get to see him at graduation. I hope it gives my son the motivation he needs to keep doing well :). Keep in touch & God Bless

Comment by Jon on September 16, 2008 at 6:44pm

Hi everyone...Jason called last friday night...He said things are going well in Corpsman school. He has taken 10 tests so far,,,he thought test 11 and 12 are this week..They have been taking 2 tests a week. That should do it for the tests..He will graduate in the middle of october.Then I dont know where he will be off to..Have a great day!! Jon

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