In the U.S. Navy, when a ship crosses the equator a time-honored ceremony takes place.
This is a Navy tradition and an event no sailor soon forgets.
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FROM KEN HILDEBRAND'S SERVICE RECORD:
20 OCT 1942 - KENNETH DEPARTED FROM SAN
DIEGO ABOARD THE S. S. MORMACPORT, "FOR DUTY BEYOND THE SEAS."
30 OCT 1942 - S. S. MORMACPORT CROSSED THE
EQUATOR AND KENNETH RECEIVED "DUE INITATIONS."
03 NOV 1942 - S. S. MORMACPORT CROSSED THE
INTERNATIONAL DATELINE.
09 NOV 1942 - KENNETH DISEMBARKED FROM THE
S. S. MORMACPORT AT "DESTINATION BEYOND THE SEA" (WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND).
-- IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS HE WILL DEPART FOR GUADALCANAL
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