Page 108 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

THOMAS VICENTE
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT, NAVY
• EM2(SS) US Navy, June1956 to June1962
• Graduated US Naval Submarine School, New London,
Connecticut, July 1957.
• Served on USS Forrestal CVA 59, after enlistment and
prior to acceptance at Submarine School.
(photo) Thomas Vicente pointing at Shellback certificate
My Unforgettable Experience began by opening a watertight hatch in my skivvies (underwear) in a state of high anxiety and pulling myself through, while entering the after end of the forward torpedo room, on January 3, 1959, aboard the USS Argonaut (SS475). I was one of a few pollywogs on board, all about to be initiated into the ancient order of the deep by King Neptune, as we crossed the equator while on a classified submarine patrol, in the south Atlantic. I was soon to be a Shellback! What remained for me was to get down on my hands and knees and make my way forward through a minor phalanx of Shellback crew members, armed with assorted paddles, monkey fists and lashes, as fast as I could, while bearing the pain of admission into this sacred realm of sailors. At the end, on his throne in all his grandeur, Quartermaster 2nd Class Davenport from Louisiana, in front of the torpedo tube hatches, as King Neptune himself! On his head a crown, in his right hand a makeshift three-pronged spear, dressed with a colored sash across his bare body but for his gigantic makeshift diapers revealing a very large portion of chest, and a very hairy belly button! The key to admission into the sacred realm lay with paying homage to King Neptune by bowing before him after withstanding the thrashing from the gauntlet. However, your endorsement, came only after burying your head, into King Neptune’s bellybutton, which had been very abundantly smeared with galley grease, diesel fuel and torpedo juice distilled on board for the occasion—truly disgusting!
I came through bruised for a while, with a sensitive tummy all of which diminished and were gone as time went by. But what will be with me forever, is my memories of camaraderie, service to my country, and my Shellback Certificate, which hangs on the wall of my study for my kids, grandkids and friends to see!
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