King Neptune Crossing, 1944

Gerald R. Ford, Jr. and members of the crew of the USS Monterey (CVL-26) watch the festivities as the ship crosses the equator and other crew members pay homage to King Neptune. This was a common ceremony while crossing the equator. The hazing was often brutal but many veterans had fond memories. The hazing was worse the more you protested. As combat ensued and equator crossings became common, veteran ships often would forego the festivities. 1944.