<p>A wetting down happens when an individual is promoted, qualifies for some rate or specialty (e.g. submarines) or is even the winning cox’n in a rowing crew. Either way he buys his mates drinks at the club, is thrown overboard, or both!</p>
<p>Procedure
The wetting-down celebration is always paid for and hosted by the newly promoted officer, who invites his or her friends, which usually includes several officers of the same rank at which he or she has most recently served.</p>
<p>Normally the party occurs at a bar or pub frequented by officers. The location of the party is a big clue as to the form of the ceremony: when the party occurs in a dockside bar, the officer’s friends are expected to (carefully) throw him or her into the sea. If the location is a park many miles inland from an otherwise available ocean, then the officer has very likely elected to dispense with the “wet” part of the party.</p>
<p>The “wet” part of the wetting-down is at the new officer’s option, and must always be directly confirmed with the new officer before the party. His or her jocular friends should under no circumstances be relied on for this important point of protocol. Although permission is always required, the new officer is expected to react more or less as if it were a surprise.</p>
<p>Being located in a bar, there is typically a great deal of drinking of alcohol. There must always be at least one ceremonial toast. Friends present several rowdy speeches expressing their appreciation of the new officer’s good comradeship and copious faults. Often one of the speeches describes an embarrassing event in the new officer’s career, which occurred under the old rank.</p>
<p>The final speech must always be entirely complimentary. Ideally, there should be no dry eyes after the final speech, particularly if the speaker is the new officer’s father. During the final speech it is considered honourable and complimentary to discreetly wipe one’s eyes, if needed.</p>
<p>In its most exuberant (and most traditional) form, the wetting-down ceremony ends with the former peers of the new officer as a group carrying him or her out to the ocean, and tossing him or her in. Having previously approved, the new officer is expected to cheerfully submit.</p>
<p>Good friends have plenty of dry towels available. Wise officers change into old clothes before going to their wetting-down celebration, although in its highest form, the new officer wears a dress uniform into the sea.</p>
<p>Improvisations
A wetting-down party is informal. Improvisations on the ceremony are the rule, not the exception.</p>
<p>The most common improvisation is to dispense with the seawater, or any kind of water whatsoever for that matter. This is an especially popular change among new officers.</p>
<p>The senior officer present is expected to make the final speech. Sometimes the final speech is presented by the new officer’s father, especially if he has served in a Navy. If present, the commanding officer who made the promotion normally makes the final speech, although for particularly exhuberent wetting-down parties, parents and senior officers are not usually invited, and the honor falls to one of the new officer’s close friends.</p>
<p>Occasionally a scuba diver hides under the pier to briefly grab the new officer from below, and, more seriously, to act as a lifeguard.</p>
<p>If the ocean is unavailable or fatally cold, a bucket of almost warm seawater may be substituted.</p>
<p>For inland ceremonies, a bucket of seawater is sometimes brought to the party from a great distance by the new officer’s friends who arrive from a seaside posting. In the case of a bucket, it is considered high form if at least one conspicuously live fish is in the seawater.</p>
<p>If no bucket is available, a glassfull of clean icewater is sometimes substituted. This is the typical minimum “wet” part of a wetting-down.</p>
<p>Cautions
When seawater is used in the traditional form of the ceremony, great care should be exercised to avoid spilling it or dripping it within a commercial establishment. Businesses which are dripped on or dumped on often demand large compensation from the host for damages, and thereafter refuse to cater unofficial Navy parties.</p>
<p>Certain seaweeds leave stains that cannot be washed out. Never wear a dress uniform you are not willing to throw away to a traditional wetting-down.</p>
<p>The speeches discussing the newly elevated officer’s faults or past embarrassing incidents should be carefully presented, so that no information is provided that might prove useful in a criminal investigation.</p>
<p>Meaning
Throwing a fellow officer into the ocean symbolically represents the new officer’s departure from the friends with whom he or she formerly shared rank.</p>
<p>At a time when the new officer is more or less between ranks, wetting-down represents a last opportunity for former equals in rank to treat a newly superior officer with disrespect and with open affection.</p>
<p>Being doused combines a very proud moment in a person’s life with a lesson in humility. It also makes the event easy to remember.</p>
<p>History
In most Navies, officers wear stripes on the cuff of their uniform jacket. Upon promotion, a new stripe would be added to the cuff. The new, clean stripe would often stand out from the older, more weathered stripes. “Wetting down” was often an attempt to get the new stripe to match the older stripes so the promotion would not look as recent. Today, an officer will usually replace all of the stripes upon each promotion in an attempt to maintain a more professional uniform appearance.</p>
<p>“A ship is called a she because there?s always a great deal of bustle around her…because there’s usually a gang of men around… because she has waist and stays…because she takes a lot of paint to keep her looking good…because it?s not the initial expense that breaks you, it?s the upkeep… because she is all decked out… because it takes a good man to handle her right…because she shows her topside, hides her bottom and, when coming into port, always heads for the buoys.”</p>
<p>Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz put it more succinctly in an address to the Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy. “A ship is always referred to as ‘she’ because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder.”</p>
<p>“Officer and a Gentleman”</p>
<p>Many chuckle over the phrase “an officer and gentleman by act of Congress.” However, military tradition dictates that an officer is expected to act like a gentleman. In early armies, military leadership was a monopoly of the nobility or “gentlemen.” Officer rank is now bestowed on the basis of merit, but those chosen are still expected to act like gentlemen. An officer’s commission carries with it the obligation to act in a “gentlemanly way.” For example, in military law an officer can be court-martialed for “ungentlemanly conduct,” whereas an enlisted person cannot.</p>
<p>The Domain of the Golden Dragon</p>
<p>In the last century, before Westpac’s were common place, it was a very uncommon occurance to cross the International Date Line. This event was marked with a ceremony very much like the Crossing the Line (Equator) ceremony. You were entering the Domain of the Golden Dragon, so called because your destination was most likely the orient.</p>
<p>The Silver Dollar Salute</p>
<p>Why do newly commissioned Officers give a Silver Dollar to the recipient of their first salute? This long standing tradition doesn’t seem to be documented in any Navy publications. It apparently started sometime in the 19th century with the Army. </p>
<p>It is said that you have to buy your first salute and then earn every salute there after through your performance and by gaining the respect of your subordinates. The Navy adopted the tradition some time prior to WW II and today the tradition is considered a way to show respect for those superior enlisted personnel who helped you achieve your commissioned status.</p>
<p>I should point out the Midshipmen in my day used to refer to themselves as “an officer and a janitor” for all the room cleaning we had to do. :D</p>
<p>What is meant by “Piping the Side” and the origin of “Sideboys”</p>
<p>The custom of “piping” a distinguished visitor “over the side” dates to the time of wooden ships when senior officers would come alongside a ship in their small launches. As the launch approached the ship, the Boatswain (the boatswain, bo’s’n, bos’n, or bosun is the warrant or petty officer in charge of a ship’s deck crew, rigging, cables and anchors) would use his pipe to muster a crew of men to assist the senior officer in coming aboard. Hence, the term, “piping.” </p>
<p>A sling would be lowered to the launch, the officer would be strapped in and hoisted to the quarter-deck of the ship. As the seniority of the officer often was an indication of his bulk, the more senior the officer, the larger the number of men that would be assigned to hoist him aboard and lift him “over the side” of the ship. Once on the quarter-deck, the assembled crew would take their stations on either side of the officer, lifting him out of the sling and gently placing him on the deck. The men assigned to this duty were usually very junior sailors, or ‘boys’, Hence, the term, “sideboy.” </p>
<p>The same procedure was used in reverse when the officer left the ship and returned to his launch. </p>
<p>Today, while distinguished visitors are not hoisted aboard ship, the Bos’n Mate can still be heard piping senior officers aboard and ashore as assembled crew members act as sideboys. </p>
<p>**Note: In the interest of political correctness, there are some who have referred to female sideboys as “sidepersons”, or worse yet, calling the whole group “side bouys”, as though they were a bunch of bell bouys ringing in midchannel. Lets ensure that the traditional ‘sideboy’ always remains the correct term.</p>
<p>Why do we give a Shadowbox at retirement?</p>
<p>In days of sail, when a sailor would check onboard ship, he was usually part of that ship’s company for his whole career. As he travelled around the world, he would collect many trinkets and souveniers of his travels. Since he lived full time on the ship, and space was limited, obviously he collected small items which he could easily store on board. </p>
<p>When the sailor was piped ashore, his shipmates used to chip in to have a wooden trunk made for the sailor to put his stuff in for his last time down the gangway. </p>
<p>This tradition has evolved to the present shadowbox, which should contain momentos of the retiree’s career. Medals, duty stations, insignia, rating badges … a shadowbox should enable anyone looking at it to know the person’s history at a glance. </p>
<p>Every single retiree, whether he is an E-5 or O-5 deserves a shadowbox.</p>
<p>MEN’S NECKERCHIEF - The black neckerchief or bandanna first appeared as early as the 16th century and was utilized as a sweat band and collar closure. Black was the predominant color as it was practical and did not readily show dirt. There is no truth to the myth that the black neckerchief was designed as a sign of mourning for Admiral Nelson’s death. </p>
<p>NECKERCHIEF SQUARE KNOT - There is no historical significance to the knot other that it being a knot widely used by sailors which presents a uniform appearance. </p>
<p>DUNGAREES - In 1901 regulations authorized the first use of denim jumpers and trousers, and the 1913 regulations originally permitted the dungaree outfit to be used by both officers and enlisted with the hat of the day.</p>
<p>UNIFORM REGULATIONS - The first uniform instruction for the U.S. Navy was issued by the Secretary of War on 24 August 1791. It provided a distinctive dress for the officers who would command the ships of the Federal Navy. The instruction did not include a uniform for the enlisted man, although there was a degree of uniformity. The usual dress of a seaman was made up of a short jacket, shirt, vest, long trousers, and a black low crowned hat. </p>
<p>FOULED ANCHOR - The foul anchor as a naval insignia got its start as the seal of the Lord Howard of Effingham. He was the Lord Admiral of England at the time of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. During this period the personal seal of a great officer of state was adopted as the seal of his office. The fouled anchor still remains the official seal of the Lord High Admiral of Great Britain. When this office became part of the present Board of Admiralty, the seal was retained on buttons, official seals, and cap badges. The Navy’s adoption of this symbol and many other customs can be directly attributed to the influence of British Naval tradition. The fouled anchor is among them. </p>
<p>THE CPO FOULED ANCHOR - The Fouled Anchor is the emblem of the Rate of Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Attached to the Anchor is a length of chain and the letters U.S.N.</p>
<p>DISTINGUISHING MARKS/RATING BADGES - In 1841, insignia called “distinguishing marks” were first prescribed as part of the official uniform. An eagle and anchor emblem, forerunner of the rating badge, was the first distinguishing mark. In 1886 rating badges were established, and some 15 specialty marks were also provided to cover the various ratings. On 1 April 1893, petty officers were reclassified and the rating of chief petty officer was established. Until 1949 rating badges were worn on the right or left sleeve, depending on whether the person concerned was on the starboard or port watch. Since February 1948, all distinguishing marks have been worn on the right sleeve between the shoulder and elbow. </p>
<p>RIGHT ARM RATES - Established in 1841 and disestablished 2 April 1949, originally signified men of the Seaman branch. During WW II these rates included Boatswains Mate, Turret Captain, Signalman, Gunners Mate, Fire Controlman, Quartermaster, Mineman, and Torpedomans Mate. Other ratings wore rates on the left sleeve.</p>
<p>DITTY BAG - Ditty bag (or box) was originally called ditto bag because it contained at least two of everything: two needles, two spools of thread, two buttons, etc. With the passing of years, the ‘ditto’ was dropped in favor of ditty and remains so today. Before WW I, the Navy issued ditty boxes made of wood and styled after foot lockers. These carried the personal gear and some clothes of the sailor. Today the ditty bag is still issued to recruits and contains a sewing kit, toiletry articles and personal items such as writing paper and pens.</p>
<p>Knots</p>
<p>Ever wonder why a ship’s speed is measured in “knots”? Well, that’s because in the old days the way a ship would measure her speed was to drop a piece of wood overboard tied to a piece of string with knots in it. The wood would act as a small sea anchor and remain roughly fixed in the ocean. As the ship moved, the string would pay out and, after a given amount of time, the number of knots that had gone by was counted.</p>
<p>If anyone wants to watch a phenominally well-made movie that really captures life at sea during the age of sail, go rent Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.</p>
<p>It has some great one-liners, too! :D</p>
<p>BLUE NOSE - Also known as “Northern Domain of the Polar Bear.” In traditions associated with Sailors and Marines crossing the Arctic Circle line, there was a “raucous and rowdy” initiation presided over by those who had crossed the line before, known as “Order of the Blue Nose”. The eldest Sailor was called King Neptune, and the next eldest was his assistant who was called Davy Jones. Some form of hazing would be carried out by the senior crewmen.</p>
<p>GA:According to ATMOM there is an Order of the Red Nose for those of us who have crossed the Antarctic Circle.:rolleyes: I’m still skeptical but you seem to have the straight scoop on a lot. Do you know?</p>
<p>^^^^^
ATMOM is correct.</p>
<p>RED NOSE - Crossing of the Antarctic Circle (66-32 South latitude). Also known as the “Royal Domain of the Penguin” “Frozen Stiff” or “Red Nose.”</p>
<p>CATERPILLAR CLUB - Anyone who had made an unscheduled parachute jump from a disabled plane. Caterpillar denotes use of a silkworm’s product in parachute construction. Club members wear a gold caterpillar on civies only, the color of the caterpillar’s jeweled eyes is determined by the circumstances, i.e. ruby eyes show that the wearer has survived a midair collision.</p>
<p>There are a number of origins of the military greeting of saluting. In the age of chivalry the knights were all mounted and wore steel armour, which covered the body completely. When two friendly knights met it was the custom for each to raise the visor and expose his face to the view of the other. This was always done with the right hand, the left being used to hold the reins. It was a significant gesture of friendship and confidence, since it exposed the features and also removed the right hand from the vicinity of a weapon (sword). Also in ancient times the freemen of Europe were allowed to carry arms: when two freemen met, each would raise his right hand to show that he held no weapons in it and that the meeting was friendly. </p>
<p>The Coldstream Guards appear to have been the first to depart from this practice as a Regimental Order of 1745 reads: The men are ordered not to pull off their hats when the when they pass an officer, or to speak to them, but only to clap up their hands to their hats and bow as they pass them.</p>
<p>An extract from the Royal Scots Standing Orders of 1762 stated: as nothing disfigures the hats or dirties the lace worn more than taking off the hats, the men for the future are only to raise the back of their hands to them (hats) with a brisk motion when they pass an officer. </p>
<p>Has anyone else heard of a different origin?</p>
<p>SHOW A LEG - In the British Navy of King George III many sailor’s wives accompanied them on long voyages. To avoid dragging the wrong “mate” out of the rack at reveille, the bosun asked all to “show a leg”. If the leg wore silk, it’s owner was allowed to sleep in. If the leg was hairy and tattooed, the owner was forced to “turn to.” </p>
<p>DEVIL TO PAY - Originally this denoted a specific task aboard ship such as caulking the ship’s longest seam. The “Devil” was the longest seam on the ship and caulking was done with “pay” or pitch. This grueling task was despised by every seaman and the expression came to denote any unpleasant task. </p>
<p>KEELHAUL - An extreme punishment given in which an offender was tied hand and foot, with heavy weights attached to his body. He was slowly lowered over the ship’s side and dragged under the ship’s hull. If he didn’t drown, which was usually the case, then barnacles usually ripped him, causing him to bleed to death.</p>