The Ghana Navy has revisited an old naval tradition of crossing the equator known in naval terms as 'Crossing the Line' with four of its ships after over 40 years since the Navy performed such a tradition. e tradition which was also as ocean navigation exercise and was code named Ex SEALION started from Monday 26 to Tursday 29 October 2020 to test the resilience and readiness of the naval ships and personnel onbaord while promoting esprit de corps.
Prior to the casting off of the naval ships from the PSekondi Naval Base, the Acting Flag Officer Fleet, Captain Ben Baba Abdul briefed the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama, Commodores, directors, and officers on the various phases and nature of Ex SEALINE. He revealed that, the four ships; Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) YAA ASANTEWAA, GNS GARINGA, GNS EHWOR AND GNS BLIKA will sail 610 nautical miles which is about 65 hours to and fro the equator in different formations, perform search and rescue and maritime interdiction exercises and finally end with an amphibious operation together with the Ghana Army, the navy's Special Boat Squadron and the Ghana Air Force. On Tuesday 27 October 2020, the four naval ships gracefully Crossed the Line around 1545 hours after sailing for 300 nautical miles. Personnel on board the ships were initiated into King Neptune's Marine Kingdom after performing some traditions associated with it, changing their statuses from 'Pollywogs' to Shellbacks. Upon arrival, the Shellbacks were welcomed with a short but memorable parade where the CNS, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama congratulated the 229 all ranks which included 7 females who embarked on the exercise for their bravery and courage. He commended all personnel for a successful exercise and also making for many Ghana Navy proud.
