On October 28, 1944, as HOLT crossed the equator while en route from the Galapagos Islands to Hollandia, New Guinea all the crew who were not Shellbacks (those who had previously crossed the equator) were initiated by those Shellbacks on board into the realm of Neptunus Rex, the Ruler of the Raging Main. Of the crew, only about 25 were already Shellbacks and they had a great time putting all the Polliwogs thru the initiation ceremony.