Around the World Submerged (44 page)

ADMINISTRATIVE REMARKS

USS Triton
(
SSR(N)586
)

CROSSING THE EQUATOR

Know ye that on this 24th day of February 1960, as TRITON set course southwestward on the first leg of her submerged circumnavigation of the world,

(crewman’s name)

appeared in the realm of Neptunus Rex, on board USS TRITON (SSR(N)586) as she crossed the equator in the vicinity of St. Peter and St. Paul’s Rocks, mid-Atlantic Ocean, Longitude 29°—32´. 8 West; and

WHEREAS,

after due ceremony and examination he was found worthy to be reckoned as a member of the Ancient Order of the Deep and the Royal Order of SHELLBACKS; and

WHEREAS,

during this historic, record-setting submerged cruise of more than 36,000 miles, he crossed the equator thrice more . . . viz:

WHEREAS,

on each crossing and visit to my realm, he was found still worthy to be my subject, now

THEREFORE,

I, Neptunus, Ruler of the Raging Main, do solemnly command all my loyal subjects to honor and respect this trusty SHELLBACK, for he is one who has received special favor in my sight for having crossed the equator submerged four times on this First Submerged Circumnavigation of the World.

About the Author

Generally known as the author of
Submarine!,
a vivid account of submarine action during World War II, and
Run Silent, Run Deep,
a best-selling novel, Captain Edward L. Beach, USN, is nevertheless one of the most experienced submarine commanders in our modern Navy. Since 1939, when he was commissioned upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy, he has served as executive officer of the submarines
Trigger
and
Tirante
during World War II, and as Commanding Officer of the submarines
Piper, Amberjack, Trigger,
and
Triton,
as well as the fleet oiler,
Salamonie.

Born in New York City and raised in California, the son of an equally famous naval officer and writer, he has served additionally as Aide to the Chief of Naval Personnel and, from 1953 to 1957, as Naval Aide to the President of the United States. He holds six decorations for combat, among them the Navy Cross and two Silver Stars. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for
Triton
’s circumnavigation.

He and his wife, the former Ingrid Bergstrom Schenck of Palo Alto, California, have three children, two boys and a girl.

The Naval Institute Press
is the book-publishing arm of the U.S. Naval Institute, a private, nonprofit, membership society for sea service professionals and others who share an interest in naval and maritime affairs. Established in 1873 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where its offices remain today, the Naval Institute has members worldwide.

Members of the Naval Institute support the education programs of the society and receive the influential monthly magazine
Proceedings
and discounts on fine nautical prints and on ship and aircraft photos. They also have access to the transcripts of the Institute’s Oral History Program and get discounted admission to any of the Institute-sponsored seminars offered around the country.

The Naval Institute also publishes
Naval History
magazine. This colorful bimonthly is filled with entertaining and thought-provoking articles, first-person reminiscences, and dramatic art and photography. Members receive a discount on
Naval History
subscriptions.

The Naval Institute’s book-publishing program, begun in 1898 with basic guides to naval practices, has broadened its scope in recent years to include books of more general interest. Now the Naval Institute Press publishes about one hundred titles each year, ranging from how-to books on boating and navigation to battle histories, biographies, ship and aircraft guides, and novels. Institute members receive discounts of 20 to 50 percent on the Press’s more than eight hundred books in print.

Full-time students are eligible for special half-price membership rates. Life memberships are also available.

For a free catalog describing Naval Institute Press books currently available, and for further information about subscribing to
Naval History
magazine or about joining the U.S. Naval Institute, please write to:

Membership Department

U.S. Naval Institute

291 Wood Road

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