USS Mansfield DD-728 1957 Cruise Book

EQUATOR CROSSING
This initiation started like everything eles...with a lot of scuttlebutt. It was to be the death of all Pollywogs! Someone had us eating alum, others had glue smeared under each armpit and a diesel oil bath to boot. Well, a lot of it damn near developed but everyone lived. Granted there was a dash of pain mixed with a pint of grit and a gallon of fright envolved in the passing of these few hours of fun for the salty Shellbacks but believe me, they didn't get in all of the swacks because the Pollywogs managed to pull a few pants down and give a few baths ourselves on "free day" (The day before the crossing). Of course, this could have been sealing our own death warrant because those Shellbacks were somewhat vindictive when the next day arrived. Touche! It all started with an impressive ceremony that brought Davy Jones, King Rex's scribe, out of the deep onto the forecastle where he was met by the Captain. The ol' man, being a Shellback himself, had no mercy for we slimy Pollywogs and gave Davy full run of the ship and use of the 1MC to call us a few names and warn us that his All Mighty was coming aboard to clean us of our nasty habits before entering his great domain. Not long after Jones had made himself to home on our ship we were herded to the forecastle. The time was near! And no sooner said than done. The ol' wiry joker came aboard escorted by his complete staff and family. The Queen, the Royal Baby, Royal Judge, Royal Police, Royal this and that. Everyone was Regal!

EQUATOR CROSSING

This initiation started like everything eles...with a lot of scuttlebutt. It was to be the death of all Pollywogs! Someone had us eating alum, others had glue smeared under each armpit and a diesel oil bath to boot. Well, a lot of it damn near developed but everyone lived. Granted there was a dash of pain mixed with a pint of grit and a gallon of fright envolved in the passing of these few hours of fun for the salty Shellbacks but believe me, they didn't get in all of the swacks because the Pollywogs managed to pull a few pants down and give a few baths ourselves on "free day" (The day before the crossing). Of course, this could have been sealing our own death warrant because those Shellbacks were somewhat vindictive when the next day arrived. Touche!
It all started with an impressive ceremony that brought Davy Jones, King Rex's scribe, out of the deep onto the forecastle where he was met by the Captain. The ol' man, being a Shellback himself, had no mercy for we slimy Pollywogs and gave Davy full run of the ship and use of the 1MC to call us a few names and warn us that his All Mighty was coming aboard to clean us of our nasty habits before entering his great domain.

Not long after Jones had made himself to home on our ship we were herded to the forecastle. The time was near! And no sooner said than done. The ol' wiry joker came aboard escorted by his complete staff and family. The Queen, the Royal Baby, Royal Judge, Royal Police, Royal this and that. Everyone was Regal!

Chief Vitek and friends	Who's next?
Two block the Pollywog!	What we did to them!
Who wants a lil' ol drink?	Chief Baucom?

SO ENDS POLLYWOG DAY
High priced messcooks	Elvis and his hound dog
What do I do now Chief?	Still first in line
Steak again?	Just like home!

EQUATOR CROSSING

SO ENDS POLLYWOG DAY