Creating camaraderie

 Camaraderie or hazing? Funny how things come to mind sometimes. I was scrolling my Facebook timeline and saw an advertisement from 1939. You know how they do as a sort of shocking thing to todays' sensibilities. Oh, we were all so ignorant in the past, so unaware of all the dangers. Just what could we have been thinking. This advertisement feature a man mining lead. Yes, mining lead, smiling proudly and hoping the lead he mined gets used in the paint you buy. This is the finest quality lead, the purest in the land. And yes, that advertisement did bring to mind an old seafaring tradition, either hazing or camaraderie, depending upon the decade you are talking about. In my time, it was just being part of the crew.

 So what does lead have to do with any of that. Well, back in the day lead, specifically white lead was used as a sealant and lubricate in piping systems and as a gasket sealer. It came in five pound cans as a paste. I remember well just reaching in and scooping out what I need to coat the pipe threads or whatever. Gloves? Why would I be wearing gloves. You can't get anything done with gloves on. There was no such thing as any latex glove strong enough to use while doing that sort of work, they were for surgeons that didn't really have to exert any pressure. Yeah, and masks, another surgeon thing. The only mask I wore was a gas mask. I was also reminded of just how well that lead based paint worked, especially on wooden surfaces. A little white lead, some turpentine, and something to add color thoroughly mixed made a great paint. 

 Now white lead played a role in establishing camaraderie in the various divisions of the engineering department aboard U.S. naval vessels. At least that is the way it was in the 1970's and early eighties. Bearing grease was also a part of this, depending upon a single factor. The color of your skin. I know, shocking isn't it? No, it wasn't, it was just part of the fun. You see being an engineer you just naturally were aware of the necessity of well greased and oiled machinery. It was an awareness that you developed. It became so keen that when a new recruit came to the department you could hear him squeak! That squeak needed to be addressed. The old salts would gather together and discuss this finally reaching an diagnosis and administering the cure.

 It usually went like this. A group would get together and ask each other, do you hear a squeaking noise? Where could that be coming from. All eyes would turn to you, and you just knew it was time to run. That was a part of the fun as you were chased up and down the ladders (stairs to you landlubbers) up to the main deck and then back below. Eventually you would be captured and the inspection began. Yes, your pants would be pulled down and the squeak detected! Now, depending upon your skin color, either grease or white lead would be liberally applied to the area. Axle grease being dark in color was used for lighter skin tones and white lead provided a good contrast on darker skin. In that way you could tell if the entire area had received the correct amount of lubrication. And this was called, being greased. 

  Was that hazing? No, I don't believe it was at all. It was simply a means to establish camaraderie, to become a member of the group. A rite of passage so to speak. It may happen once or twice during your enlistment/career. It didn't happen more than once on the same ship unless there were extenuating circumstances. Go ahead, run your mouth, complain, and create those circumstances. I never saw anyone get injured in any way during this little diversion from the daily routine. Oh, a few scrapes or bruises maybe, nothing to be concerned about. Their where other rituals and traditions practiced as well. It was all in good fun. Another concerned an anti-seize compound and metal bluing for those about to get married. I won't go into the details on that one, if you know, you know.

 I expect here in 2025 that none of that is going on anymore. I haven't talked with anyone that has served in the 21st century Navy but figure it isn't the same. I was still in the "don't ask, don't tell" era and was comfortable with that. It's not my business, and don't try to make it mine either! I'm thinking the shellback ceremony is quite a bit different and the blue nose one as well. I've heard rumors of hazing and how terrible all that is. Built character in my estimation. You did learn to stand up for yourself, and generally speaking that is what was being tested. It didn't have to involve any physical assault to defend yourself. You could either "join in " or be the outsider, your choice.

 I can't imagine what it must be like today. A PC Navy sounds a bit dull. When I joined the ad was, it's not just a job, it's an adventure! I have to admit they weren't lying, it was an adventure alright. The current slogan is " Forged by the Sea " aimed at attracting Gen z. It was first used in 2017 so is getting quite old now, although I admit I hadn't heard of it until I looked it up this morning. I read where it is supposed to "convey the idea that Navy sailors are toughened and shaped by their experience at sea." LOL, Yeah, it'll make you tough alright, as long as you don't get your feelings hurt or someone uses the wrong pronoun. 

 I wonder what they do to establish camaraderie these days. Paint their nails and go to Starbucks for Lattes? Yeah, well anchors aweigh my boys, anchors aweigh. Oh wait, that was changed back in 1997 to Anchors Aweigh Sailors, you know, to be inclusive. My thought is the "sailors" today are quite a bit different than when I sailed the seas. But I do wish them all, fair winds and a following sea. Haze and hazing where quite different back then. A haze may be seen on the horizon, that meant it was time to run. Comrades in arms creating camaraderie. The good old days. Lots of layers here if you think about it, it's deep water.