On 14 June 1969, Biddle crossed the International Date Line — an “adventure” bigger for some of us than for others on board.
The International Date Line (IDL) is basically the meridian of 180 degrees latitude — halfway around the world from 0 degrees latitude, or the meridian in Greenwich, England. That puts it in what amounts to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Crew members who had previously had this rite of passage on one or more deployments wanted those who had not to “enjoy” the event by becoming the first of the crew to see the actual International Date Line. Lookouts were posted on the fo’c’sle. Junior officers were brought to the bridge and given binoculars to seek out the buoys marking the IDL. Buoys? Absolutely. You could see them on our radar scopes.
I admit the IDL veterans did a pretty good job. I was skeptical, but . . . lookouts? . . . buoys on the radar? I was beginning to take the hook. Then, as I joined other JOs in CIC to observe the approaching buoys on radar, I glanced to the lower left and saw that the “mode” dial on the NTDS console was on “test.” I had been shown how that mode could be used to create exercises, placing “targets” on the scope.
Aha! I recognized the buoys were part of a trick. I became a traitor to my fellow JOs and supported the continuation of the ruse. In the picture at the top of the post, LT Morris is pointing the direction of one of the IDL buoys to ENS Curran, who had originally been quite skeptical, too. I am at right, urging Steve to look harder.
The ruse all soon fell apart, but it made for a bit more lively evening than normal. We crossed the International Date Line at approximately 1950. Technically, we had moved from Saturday 14 June to Monday 16 June. June 15 never existed on our cruise. While the next day was a “work day,” the Captain let us have a “Sunday” and holiday routine.
Crossing the IDL has little of the tradition and scale of crossing the Equator, which calls for major day-long ceremony. We expected to “enjoy” that experience on our way home. There is a fantasy “Domain of the Golden Dragon,” which pertains only to those traveling west across the date line.
We had no formal recognition of our “achievement” crossing the IDL. Years after this cruise, I saw that the U.S. Naval Institute offered “certificates” for doing so, as well as other notable moments. I bought one, but then realized I would not be able to have the CO sign it, or have the ship’s seal applied, etc. It’s still ornamental and is a reminder of the event. Here’s a picture of it and below is a presentation of the text.
To all Sailors wherever ye may be: and to all sea serpents, crabs, mutineers, pirates of the Yellow Seas, and other other derelicts of Far Eastern seas, Greetings:
Know ye: On June 15, 1969 within the boundaries of my Draconic Realm there appeared the USS Biddle DLG-34
Be it known: that said renowned vessel crossed the 180th meridian in latitude 20°N
And all her Officers and Crew have been duly inspected and passed upon by my Venerable Body of Judges it is therefore my privilege to proclaim, with all the authority of my Sphere of Influence that ENS William McDonald having now been found worthy, he has been gathered into my fold and duly initiated into the
Silent Occult Mysteries of the Far East
And be it further understood: that he is now a member of my August Retinue and is therefore entitled to all the Rights and Privileges accorded such personages
Disobey this order under extreme penalty of my royal displeasure
Good stuff!!!
Ed