Domain of the Golden Dragon

The Domain of the Golden Dragon is an unofficial but highly coveted award of the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. It is given to crew members of ships which cross the International Date Line. You enter the dragon's empire when you cross the International Date Line by sailing west, where Asian nations celebrate the power of the dragon. With the extensive Navy operations in the Far East since (and before) World War II, this passage has become so common that few initiation ceremonies are actually held. But the certificate, decorated with Chinese-style dragon, is still given out.[1]

An example of the certificate that was given to a member of the US military in 1951.

It is also awarded to dependents travelling together with their Military Sponsor.

This certificate was not only available to American sailors and other military branch members, it was also available to British Sailors when crossing the international date line. The British copies were printed by Gale & Polden Ltd. Portsmouth, England.

References

Silvey, Frank (October 1969). "The Certified Sailor" (PDF). All Hands. No. 633. Navy Annex, Arlington, Virginia: U.S. Navy Bureau of Naval Personnel. ISSN 0002-5577. Retrieved 14 September 2018.

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[1] Silvey, Frank (October 1969). "The Certified Sailor" (PDF). All Hands. No. 633. Navy Annex, Arlington, Virginia: U.S. Navy Bureau of Naval Personnel. ISSN 0002-5577. Retrieved 14 September 2018.