WOG Day

What could possibly force a crew of nearly 1,500 sailors and marines on a United States Amphibious vessel to crawl around on their hands and knees while being subjected to numerous disgusting humiliations? Is this Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) punishment at its worst? A strange chemical weapon drill? The cause of this seemingly absurd behavior is an ancient naval ritual known as crossing the line better known as wog day. It is performed when a United States ship crosses the equator; this ceremony has a rich and varied history. Crossing the line is nearly as old as seafaring itself and the most humorous ritual I’ve ever participated in.
Wog Day is made up of many different navy beliefs, legends, and characters. Starting with King Neptune. King Neptune is the roman God of fresh water but sometimes he is associated with Poseidon. Poseidon had a kingdom in the sea and put King Neptune in charge of it. “King Neptune sometimes appears with his trident and his wife Queen Amphi...