Crossing the Line Ceremony

    All the navies of the world have a ceremony that celebrates the crossing of the equator, and the Canadian Navy is no exception. It is a ceremony that is steeped in tradition and full of fun for all the participants. After being in the Navy for over 25 yrs, I finally had the good fortune in 1997 to be working as the Combat Systems Engineering Chief onboard HMCS HALIFAX during her visit to South Africa and South America. Below are some of the pictures that capture the essence of the ceremony.

Another brave member of the TLA

Showing our true colors

The "Bears" doing some preliminary work tthe night before King Neptune arrived.

King Neptune and his lovely "wife"

Awaiting the  first "Tadpole"

The "Dr" dispensing "medicine"

Another "Dr" with more "Pills"

A special "Christening"

A little "something" for our unworthy tongues

Graham looking for leftovers

Finding a "Hairball"

Prepare to be "Dunked"

The final stage to becomming a "BEAR"

Old and New Bears come together at the Equator

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