16. Triton crossed the International Date Line on March 23
Crossing the International Date Line traditionally required an initiation similar to that of crossing the Equator, though the initiates enter the Order of the Golden Dragon. Beach reported in his narrative that a message was received from King Neptune, lauding the crew’s behavior when they first crossed the Equator. Neptune was so pleased, according to Captain Beach, that he had already enrolled all of Triton’s crew into the Order of the Golden Dragon. Hence, no further initiation was necessary. Nonetheless, March 24, 1960, was eliminated from the lives of Triton’s crew. March 23 became March 25. In addition, 24 consecutive days would be worked as being 25 hours long.
As Triton crossed the Pacific, numerous sea mounts and areas of shoaling, previously unknown, were detected by the fathometer and active forward sonar. They were charted by Triton’s quartermasters, location, expanse, and height all being added to the US Navy’s knowledge of the floor of the Pacific Ocean. The submarine continued moving forward steadily, encountered numerous problems with equipment, which were quickly and proficiently repaired by the ship’s crew. On Sunday, March 27, a memorial service was held for the crew of USS Triton, a diesel submarine sunk by the Japanese during World War II. The service was held as Triton passed with 800 miles of the position where it was believed the first Triton was sunk.