Crossing the Line

My name is Seaman Frank Pikul.  I am a Mass Communication Specialist with the United States Navy and I am deployed on USS Underwood.  This is my first deployment on a ship. The ship crossed the equator this morning and a ceremony was held to initiate those who have never crossed the line before.  It is called the Shellback ceremony.  I went through this special ceremony with many others on the ship. I started the morning not knowing what to expect and a little wary of what would be going on later in the day. It was a unique experience that tested my willpower and endurance.  It lasted about four hours and involved plenty of water and challenging fun-filled activities throughout the morning.  There were times where I thought, why I was going through this? But when I completed the ceremony, I felt like I accomplished a great deed and also felt a sense of really becoming a Sailor in the Navy.  It feels good to do something that most people never even dream of doing in their lives.  It’s fantastic to be a Shellback!  Hooyah!