CSG25 personnel join select group paying tribute to Neptune as they cross the line

Around 1,200 personnel on Carrier Strike Group 25 have become the latest to pay their respect to King Neptune in a centuries-old naval tradition.

The ceremony takes place when a vessel "crosses the line" and goes through the equator in the presence of King Neptune.

The Royal Navy practice means any vessels that sail across the equator have to pay their respects to King Neptune to gain his acceptance.

• Carrier Strike Group 25 sails towards Australia for the largest-ever Exercise Talisman Sabre
• From sweat to Talisman Sabre: CSG25 personnel gear up for drills with Hyrox in Singapore
• Crossing the Line explained: Centuries-old Navy tradition to gain acceptance of 'King Neptune'

It involves the sailors being examined to ensure they can cope with the rough seas, and can mean they get their faces painted, eat disgusting food, and end up being dunked into water.

HMS Prince of Wales' personnel are seen undergoing the ceremony in a video posted on the ship's X account. 

"Navy, Army, RAF… over 1,200 people paid their respects to King Neptune as we crossed the line, Carrier style," the vessel said in the post.

If personnel have never experienced sailing past the equator, they are 'charged for their crimes' and get the justice they deserve in a comical fashion.

The first-time sailors need to pass several tests to be allowed to become a "Shellback" once they have proved themselves to King Neptune.

The event is organised by Neptune's Royal Court – which includes King Neptune, his consort Amphitrite and assistant Davy Jones – and usually needs several sailors to dress up in eccentric costumes with props, deliver speeches and lead set rituals.

CSG25 has left Singapore and is sailing down to Australia as it continues its eight-month deployment.

Next, CSG25 will be part of Exercise Talisman Sabre, which aims to test the Aukus forces and their allies in organising and conducting multinational task force operations.  

The CSG25 deployment, also known as Operation Highmast, involves around 4,500 British military personnel, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers, alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

Australia marks the destination of the voyage.

For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25, click here.