As 0800 this morning the training ship Patriot State was located just a few short nautical miles from the equator. We are on a course of 090 degrees true, at a speed of 8 knots. Winds are light. The air temperature is 92 degrees. The sea temperature is 80 degrees. The skies are clear and sunny ...and visibility is unlimited.

Captain's Log:

At 1930 last evening, our cadet lookouts, or pollywogs to the shellbacks on board, spotted a porpoise and a sea gull dead ahead. Their sighting signaled the arrival of the Royal Dispatcher of King Neptune - Davy Jones. His arrival caused a stir on board, with rockets and search lights illuminating the darkened skies and deck of the ship. All available shellbacks immediately mustered topside to begin preparation for the King's arrival.

As Davy arrived on deck he hailed the bridge, "Ship Ahoy, what ship be this and on what course is she"? The officer of the deck responded quickly...and Davy countered with the traditional, "very well, I have been awaiting your arrival."

At this point I had the opportunity to renew acquaintances with the infamous Davy Jones. He was gracious, commenting on how impressed he was with my command, and lamenting the fact that he hadn't had the opportunity to visit with me in a number of years. However, the small talk ended quickly...Mr. Jones had important business to conduct. Said he, "I have orders for you and summonses for all your pollywogs from King Neptune, Ruler of the Raging Main."

Following the reading of the orders and charges...the pollywogs on board prepared to be initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks. You can rest assured that the proverbial fear of the unknown accompanied our pollywogs to their racks last evening.

When day broke the ceremonies continued...with the pollywogs preparing the ship for the arrival of King Neptune. At preciously 0830 the Royal Navigator signaled that the Patriot State had crossed the equator. We immediately hoisted the Jolly Roger. No sooner had the flag unfurled, then his majesty King Neptune appeared on the bow of the ship to pronounce sentence on our hapless pollywogs.

Following the ceremony, we had shellbacked 398 pollywogs. King Neptune was pleased and declared his work finished. In a moment, he was gone. Returning to the bottom of the sea where he rules all.

In celebration of this monumental achievement I declared Sunday, January 25, 1998, a special holiday. The grills are fired up and so are the new shellbacks! So long from the realm of King Neptune. Next stop -Costa Rica.