Back in those days, homosexuality really didn't sink in as much as it has today. The fun times they had were really fun without all the sexuality. I mean, hell, when do you get the opportunity to get your head shaved by a blindfolded "Old China Hand"?The navy back then meant something, being on board the bantam frigates, the powerful destroyers, to the (semi-obsolete) lords of the seas, battleships! You had the right to sport that tattoo you got at Frisco, or Pearl, and you showed it proudly. You were in the middle of a bar brawl that started over some almond-eyed girl wearing a slinky number that some hairy-chested army type decided that he wanted a piece of her. He cut in while you were dancing with her. You put a bottle over his head, after pulling off his hat!You were either at sea or at your port that fateful Sunday, listening to the radio or on morning watch, trying to hear what Honolulu radio was broadcasting, until they broke in and announced The Attack. You recall the trauma you felt, then the deep resolve you were going to cram all of the ordinance your ship was carrying down Tojo's throat.And by God you did just that.The Rite of Passage, no matter how watered down it is, is the Right of every squid that crosses that latitude the first time, be either Naval aviator, sailor, or submariner.