BECOMING A SHELLBACK | LIFE AT SEA | SHIP'S vLOG 9

#tradition #merchantmariner #shellback #sailor

Sailing for over 6 years, I have yet to cross the equator. That all changes, when I earn my Shellback. Thanks again Jeff

"Darren Curtis - A Robust Crew " is under a Royalty Free license.

[mikemissel]

I become a Shellback in 1988 on the USS New Jersey

[yep]

This is a great channel, seeing these things that I have not experienced and probably never will is awesome, you are a wonderful storyteller my friend, thanks!

[Hobomountainwander]

My great grandfather was merchant Mariner, almost 100 years ago. The stories he told were larger than life. I want to follow in his footsteps. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[snidelywhiplash]

I did some internet poking around and found a short piece talking about a large reconstruction job for the airstrip (which is mostly a military one) on Ascension Island being done with aggregate (rocks) from Nova Scotia. Your trip is part of that project. As you probably know but other viewers may not.

[jamesrichard]

I'm 74 and I had a really good career by most any standard, but Ya make me scratch my head and think...what if ! Thanks

[pattrickhumphreys]

Glad to see you back. I became a Shellback aboard the USS Enterprise in 1988. Was a lot of fun.

[lindawoody]

I still have my late Grandfather's certificate from King Neptune from his USN days (1909 though end of WW2). Surprisingly he trained on the USS Pensacola in San Francisco back in 1909 - Sailing Vessel.

[davidperry]

This brought back my own memories of becoming a shellback before you were born in 1980 as a US Navy Sailor on board my ship the USS New Orleans LPH-11. Thanks for helping me relive the forgotten memories.

[renniesmith]

I became a shellback many years ago when I was in the Navy it was brutal! But I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

[captainbontekoe]

I had my baptism off the coast of Papua New Guiney, I already crossed the Equator numerous times at that point, but no one ever remembered to baptize us, but luckily we had this great captain who cherished maritime traditions and so this is one of my very precious memories from my time at sea

[mikemaccracken]

Shellback was the only initiation I missed. Congratulations Joe.

[loismiller]

Pirate Protocol sounds like something you would do at a very fun party.😊

[RedStickHistorian]

I had my cross-the-line ceremony in the U.S. Navy. We were made to suffer a little more but you're right, it's a great tradition.

[Rob_S_Z]

I remember my initiation day aboard the USS Carl Vinson on WESTPAC 94’ I got to become a Golden Shellback during the 96 cruise crossing the equator and the international date line! Some people skipped their birthdays and some had theirs twice 😂

[anthonyrenaud]

I became a Shellback aboard the U.S.S. Ranger CV-61 (Top Gun of the Pacific Fleet) circa 89-93. 4th Division Deck Department. We got our asses beat with fire hoses. Arrrggghhh the good ol days on an Aircraft Carrier. I enjoy your at sea videos.

[islandvoyager]

Thanks for sharing. I became a shellback in 1969 aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea. Had to kiss King Neptune's greasy belly button. He had to be the fattest and most disgusting Chief aboard. We also got to swim across the Equator that day. Neat that we were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

[kurttrzeciak]

Man, I cannot wait to see more from Ascension Island!!! My whole life I have been fascinated with 3 islands...Pitcairn, Ascension, and St. Helena (the sister island to Ascension).

[retirementhobbyfarmdiyadve]

I became a Shellback on my first shipboard deployment in 1995 on our way from the Arabian (Persian) Gulf to Australia. Fond memories!

[guidofischer]

It has been a while... Glad you are back with another vLOG... Thank you.

[joebisson]

Thank you for your vlogs. It’s evident you truly care about your job and EVERYTHING that comes with it. You have been an inspiration for me to quit my current profession as a school custodian and pursue being a merchant mariner. I’ve started working 13 hour days at 2 jobs to save my money and get my life in order to “jump ship” and chase the adventure again. I’m 30 and have been looking into the SIU, I’m not sure if my age is going to be an issue or not. I’m giving myself a year and if I don’t get accepted than I’ll start from the bottom and work my way up. Thank you for the hard work you put into these videos and your job.