I did some internet poking around and found a short piece talking about a large reconstruction job for the airstrip (which is mostly a military one) on Ascension Island being done with aggregate (rocks) from Nova Scotia. Your trip is part of that project. As you probably know but other viewers may not.

@blueboats7530

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this, I was wondering if this was the reason for so much crushed rock. From its beginning the runway was always impaired by a couple of issues with the terrain, one being the soft volcanic soil of the island. Several years ago the usage was downgraded to only military aircraft that can handle the decrepit condition.

@Rationalmethod995

Жыл бұрын

I watched a video about that airstrip a few months ago. Joe having a video about shipping stone to the island is a real "small world" moment.

Golden Shellback (USMC) here. Joe as always nails it. It's tradition and you have to be there.

Nothing better than seeing that Southern Cross

Glad to see you back. I became a Shellback aboard the USS Enterprise in 1988. Was a lot of fun.

@jd218

Жыл бұрын

I worked as a radiographer NNS x rayed in all 8 reactors Enterprise.I left the shipyard in 94 came back to the mountains.28 years now papermill.Still take pride in Ships and Sub's I x rayed on.

@ghamel6569

Жыл бұрын

USS ENTERPRISE, WestPac 84 was mine. So much more...uuummmm, creative use of space

I remember my initiation day aboard the USS Carl Vinson on WESTPAC 94’ I got to become a Golden Shellback during the 96 cruise crossing the equator and the international date line! Some people skipped their birthdays and some had theirs twice 😂

@davethompson6474

Жыл бұрын

Holy cow Rob. Small world. I was on the Vincent on that cruise in 96 as well. That’s when i became golden shell back as well. I was attracted to VF-11 Red Rippers

@lgcalvin

Жыл бұрын

Rob Soto, I was in the Vinson also. Dental Department. Left for "C" school in middle of cruise .

I had my baptism off the coast of Papua New Guiney, I already crossed the Equator numerous times at that point, but no one ever remembered to baptize us, but luckily we had this great captain who cherished maritime traditions and so this is one of my very precious memories from my time at sea

It's awesome that sailors make a big deal of their first crossing of an imaginary line

Man, I cannot wait to see more from Ascension Island!!! My whole life I have been fascinated with 3 islands...Pitcairn, Ascension, and St. Helena (the sister island to Ascension).

@oldsuitman7762

Жыл бұрын

I think the wx there is good year round!

Shellback was the only initiation I missed. Congratulations Joe.

I had my cross-the-line ceremony in the U.S. Navy. We were made to suffer a little more but you're right, it's a great tradition.

Thank you for your vlogs. It’s evident you truly care about your job and EVERYTHING that comes with it. You have been an inspiration for me to quit my current profession as a school custodian and pursue being a merchant mariner. I’ve started working 13 hour days at 2 jobs to save my money and get my life in order to “jump ship” and chase the adventure again. I’m 30 and have been looking into the SIU, I’m not sure if my age is going to be an issue or not. I’m giving myself a year and if I don’t get accepted than I’ll start from the bottom and work my way up. Thank you for the hard work you put into these videos and your job.

@noexcuses6727

Жыл бұрын

Go and make your dreams happen !

@josephmythen3844

Жыл бұрын

I have never known of this shellback tradition....seems good natured.

@johnradzewicz4388

Жыл бұрын

I left my job as a school bus driver and joined the union at 31 I have been sailing with SIU for a little over a year now I love it. I type this a half hour after crossing the equator on my way to ascension island.

@matthewpoile1195

8 ай бұрын

Good Luck! I'm in the same ship so to speak!

@hiendkle

5 ай бұрын

How's it going?

I crossed on a submarine, and it was absolutely nuts. The worst part was worming through the 20 foot long garbage pit with my hands tied behind my back and a raw egg held in my mouth, with shellbacks smacking me on the head trying to break the egg so I’d have to start over. We had to ventilate the sub for 3 days to get the stench out.

This brought back my own memories of becoming a shellback before you were born in 1980 as a US Navy Sailor on board my ship the USS New Orleans LPH-11. Thanks for helping me relive the forgotten memories.

This is a great channel, seeing these things that I have not experienced and probably never will is awesome, you are a wonderful storyteller my friend, thanks!

Crossed 2/7/67. USS Maddox DD731. It was pretty brutal by todays Navy ceremonies.

I became a shellback many years ago when I was in the Navy it was brutal! But I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

I crossed at 0°/0° in the 80s. You were close to that. We came from the Med, around the Cape into the I.O.

I became a Shellback on my first shipboard deployment in 1995 on our way from the Arabian (Persian) Gulf to Australia. Fond memories!

Pirate Protocol sounds like something you would do at a very fun party.😊

It has been a while... Glad you are back with another vLOG... Thank you.

My dad (along with quite a lot of crew) did the equator crossing ceremony early in 1957 in the Indian Ocean aboard the frigate HMS Loch Insh. The funny thing is that if the Suez Crisis hadn't kicked off, the ship wouldn't have crossed the equator at all on their "cruise" but with the canal closed they had to take the Cape route for their return leg. I know that they stopped at St Helena and I imagine that they would also have stopped off at Ascension.

LMAO So you went from a Pollywog to a Shellback. That was crazy fun back in the Navy on the deck plates of USS Coral Sea CV43. but everyone tells me that in today's world, that has changed a lot. Can't do this or that. But it does break up working on a vessel on a long leg.✌👍

An unexpected treat this afternoon. Love these videos! Be safe, brother.

Thank you for another video! Been patiently waiting!!

Well done production, again, Joe . Your videos are always something to look forward to !

Awesome Joe. Congratulations on getting the Shellback. The Ascensions are certainly mystical. I wish you to have adventures but be safe too. Looks like a great crew you ship with.

LOVE all your videos. Keep up the great work.

Thanks for sharing. I became a shellback in 1969 aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea. Had to kiss King Neptune's greasy belly button. He had to be the fattest and most disgusting Chief aboard. We also got to swim across the Equator that day. Neat that we were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

I still have my late Grandfather's certificate from King Neptune from his USN days (1909 though end of WW2). Surprisingly he trained on the USS Pensacola in San Francisco back in 1909 - Sailing Vessel.

Respect ✊🏼 Dad was a Shellback I was stationed at Long Beach repair facility no ceremony for me

My great grandfather was merchant Mariner, almost 100 years ago. The stories he told were larger than life. I want to follow in his footsteps. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Good to have you back!

I cracked up at the almost Jurassic Park like theme for the island haha Your videos are great Joe! Very entertaining and relaxing!

I'm 74 and I had a really good career by most any standard, but Ya make me scratch my head and think...what if ! Thanks

Yeah! You're alive and well!! I missed your videos! Dude I could easily watch a full feature length movie with your narration and video and song editing! They're truly so good!

Another great post Joe, thanks for the upload. I love old school traditions and I appreciate that people take the time to keep them alive, it's what connects us to our past. Keep up the good work buddy, and congrats on crossing the equator, peace.

I became a Shellback aboard the U.S.S. Ranger CV-61 (Top Gun of the Pacific Fleet) circa 89-93. 4th Division Deck Department. We got our asses beat with fire hoses. Arrrggghhh the good ol days on an Aircraft Carrier. I enjoy your at sea videos.

Timely video, ( for me anyway). I became a Shellback 50 years ago next month. On USS Midway, a bit east and south of Singapore. Love the videos, keep it up!

@WrightViewLLC

Жыл бұрын

Same, '85 or so.

@pacificcoastpiper3949

Жыл бұрын

What a storied name

@anthonyrenaud5783

8 ай бұрын

We saw the Midway out in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War. I was on Ranger.

I’m starting to get hooked on these videos,,very interesting very cheers ❤️🙏😃👍🦘🇦🇺🇺🇸☘️

Well alright! From this Golden Shellback, “Congratulations!” Welcome to the realm! 🤘🏼

You wogs definitely got off easy LOL but it was great of your mate to make it happen

Aye, Aye, crossed the line on my birthday on board The USS Voge FF1047⚓

Great to see you back again 👍 love your videos

I’m a Marine Corps veteran from the 80’s. I’m not a shellback but I heard stories about wogg day. I’m pretty sure they now classify it as hazing but back then it was cool

@poppydc43ify

Жыл бұрын

The USN still does it but under better supervision and restraint.

A hazing ceremony???!!! On a ship. Never heard of that and I hope and trust it's worth it.

Thanks for showing the equator tradition on this particular ship. Loved the whole vlog again, can't wait for the next!

Great Job JOE!!! PLEASE post as much as you can while you are at the island....Cant wait for more!

I wish I had been a merchant marine.

Crossed the line twice on a destroyer in 1978. We did save slop and had to crawl through it as part of the ceremony. We had a great time, officers and enlisted hit the slop. Love the videos.

I have been watching your videos and really enjoy them. If I was a young guy working on a ship might be an interesting profession

Welcome to the club!

Welcome to the brotherhood. Crossed the line on a Navy frigate in 1989, during my first cruise. Crossed on the Sundra Straits heading to Pattaya, Thailand. But...no garbage chute or crawling from bow to stern on non-skid.? You got off easy.

Omg. I think I was born for this snd didn't know it.

I still miss the Sea .

congrats jo shell back

loved it joe your videos are such fun us navy 72- 78 best life .. thanks

Was anyone else getting worried? 😅

@Ottedikkie

Жыл бұрын

Yep

@deanrotering879

Жыл бұрын

Yes

@johnthomas5026

Жыл бұрын

Damn right I was!

@SWExplore

Жыл бұрын

Yep, it had been a while since Joe published vLOG 8. Always glad to see him back with vLOG 9.

@seanwagner3965

Жыл бұрын

yep, i asked a few days ago on vlog 8. some jerk said he had passed. glad Joes not passed!

Great vlog again,Joe!!👍🏼😊

I have met King neptune twice once crossing the equator on way to the Falklands experienced all the horror stories you mentioned and then some and then crossing into the arctic circle to get my blue nose more then once welcome shellback

I have no doubt my father went through a similar ceremony! He was Navy and submariner and loved the life. Thank you for your videos!

Joe, thanks for making these videos. It's fun to see into the work other people do. Think about how different paths people take and the things they see and do.

You were so lucky. Went though the ceremony on a navy ship in the 80's and experienced all the horror stories you mentioned and then some. Crawling on our hands and knees over the rough non-skid all around the ship while getting beaten with lengths of 3 inch fire hose along the way. And then getting balut smeared all over our faces as an added touch. Good times.

@59patrickw

Жыл бұрын

Happy days no helth and safty then

Can't wait to see your reports from the island. Spent a year there (2005-2006). It truly is a magical place with an amazing mission and some of the best people on the planet.

Thank you for another great vlog. Us old guys can still dream of adventures beyond our reach. Take care and best wishes.

Good on Jeff for keeping the tradition alive! I made a lot of deployments on Navy ships, but never crossed the line. Would have been awesome.

looking forward to next months video

Pretty cool display of the old traditions, part of a very old group of people that had some courage.

These videos are so relaxing!

I spent 5 years on Ascension during 2 separate tours in the '70's working at the NASA tracking station. Fascinating place.

Nice one Joe been to Ascension a few times but only ashore once but that was on the airbase to fly home hope you get some shore time on the base fishing is good

I didn’t see anybody getting their ass beaten with a fire hose😂 Like they did my day.

Shellback, order of the ditch and my bluenose. Great Navy traditions!

Man , glad to see you back. I was getting worried. Hopefully we’ll see more videos soon . Love your content.

Great videos, you'll have great memories too, enjoy!

Hahaha as an army infantry guy (NZ army) catching a ride on one of our Frigates, north to Hong Kong having to do the “Crossing equator” line ceremony. Different alright but good fun

6:02 a deck fulla well traveled fellas

I always look forward to your updates!!!

I become a Shellback in 1988 on the USS New Jersey

I've been wondering when we would get another video from you. I figured our dude must really be out of interweb connection. Guess the WiFi sucks in the mid Atlantic. As always great content and thanks for the work.

Ascension Island played an important role in contemporary history as well. The British flew bombing raids to the Falkland Islands from Ascension during their war with Argentina in 1982. At the time they were the longest bombing raids in history. The planning and implementation of these raids are nothing short of spectacular. The book "Vulcan 607" is a great read on the topic. BTW Joe, I retired after 22 years of shipboard service in the Merchant Marine as an engineer. I miss it every day. After watching your video, it is refreshing to see some else who "gets it." Stay safe … and fair winds and following seas.

Can not get enough of your videos. It looks like a dream job.

Welcome back love watching your stories

Great stuff joe.....

Hey Joe great job on the videos keep them coming.

The line-crossing ceremony is cool. I saw a video of a Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier crossing the equator and they had an epic ceremony. Here they are, sailors of the greatest navy in human history carrying out this lively tradition with great fanfare. And to see it here in this video. Great to see such reverence held for the past in your chosen line of work. My chosen path is that of a railroader, and while our own traditions of alcoholism, divorce and depression are certainly fun, I stand in awe of the traditions held at sea. Truely a fascinating affair. And a pleasure to watch.

The ceremony for your ship was different, fr.what we saw being a shellback. Of course when your on a cruise ship, we were spectator shellbacks an employee's were put through the rigors of crossing the date line. I thought the Captain was Very intimating to the new crew members. But we were happy to show our certificate to my Dad a Submariner.. He had his in a frame. Back up all your filming to have forever... Blessings an smoothe sailing

Now that’s culture

Thank you for sharing Joe.

Great update Joe. I wasn't worried.

Lol you guys are great

Love the Vlogs Joe!

Great stories Joe! Enjoy them all. Closest I ever got was unloading frozen fish from Icelandic freezer ships forty years ago. Talking to the crew members and their stories always gave me great admiration for those that take to the oceans of the world.

bro this is truly AMazing video im proud of you joe

You weren't kidding when you said seafarers were professional painters

Love it... Be safe out there 🙏🏻

Bwahwahwah. My first guess was that a Shellback was the guy who has to scrape the barnacles off the hull.

Better a trusty Shellback and a filthy stinky pollywog. Congrats on Neptune's blessing.

He's back! Thank you for sharing with us Joe.

I really enjoy your videos and that you share your journey with us.

Kool beans