Tattoos have long been intertwined with the lore and lifestyle of sailors, particularly those in the navy. For centuries, these indelible marks have served as more than mere decoration; they are badges of honor, records of voyages, and personal narratives etched onto skin. From humble beginnings rooted in Polynesian culture to becoming a mainstream art form, Navy Tattoos carry a rich history and symbolism that continues to resonate today.
US Navy signalmen aboard USS Alaska (CB-1) in 1945, with one sailor displaying a “crossing the line” tattoo, a classic navy tradition.
The Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture
The global prevalence of tattooing has fascinated observers for ages, as Captain James Cook noted in his journals during his Pacific voyages in the late 18th century. While scholarly studies explore the sociological, artistic, and psychological aspects of tattooing, much of its allure remains embedded in oral traditions, particularly within maritime communities. Tattooing boasts a history stretching back millennia across Europe, Asia, and indigenous cultures worldwide. However, it was Captain Cook’s explorations in the Pacific that truly introduced Polynesian tattooing to European sailors, specifically those in the Royal Navy. These sailors, upon returning to Europe and America, brought with them not just tales of faraway lands but also the art of tatau, the Polynesian term for marking the skin, which phonetically mirrored the tap-tap-tap of traditional tattooing tools. This Polynesian word evolved into the English word “tattoo”.
Tattooing rapidly spread from British to American sailors. Life at sea, often characterized by long stretches of monotony, saw sailors turning to tattooing, both as artists and canvases. By the close of the 1700s, a significant portion of sailors – approximately one-third of British and one-fifth of American seamen – sported at least one tattoo. The 19th century, fueled by whaling expeditions and extensive trade voyages, further cemented tattooing’s place among naval and merchant seamen, and from them, it permeated land-based society.
During the American Civil War, tattoos reflecting the monumental clash of ironclad warships, USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, became popular in both Union and Confederate navies. Alongside these, more conventional designs such as military emblems and sweethearts’ names emerged. As tattooed sailors returned home after the war, the artistry of Civil War-era tattooists disseminated inland, broadening tattooing’s reach across the nation.
By 1898, with the onset of the Spanish-American War, patriotism surged, and sailors eagerly sought tattoos emblazoned with “Remember the Maine,” a rallying cry to avenge the sinking of the USS Maine. This era solidified elements now recognized as quintessential in military and patriotic tattoos: curved banners with slogans, names, or dates; the iconic stars and stripes; and majestic eagle motifs. The proliferation of these designs was significantly aided by the invention of the electric tattoo machine, making tattoos more accessible and elaborate.
A vintage tattoo kit once owned by Navy sailor Frank Osberry Rogers, showcasing the rudimentary tools and flash art used by early 20th-century naval tattooists.
World War I brought about a shift in attitudes, influenced by the Progressive era’s emphasis on morality. The Navy, reflecting these values, discouraged overtly risqué tattoos among recruits, fearing they might be deemed unfit for service. Sailors with such tattoos, often featuring scantily clad women, were encouraged to have them “dressed” or covered with new designs. Simultaneously, patriotic tattoos surged in popularity, mirroring the national fervor for American involvement in the war.
Despite this evolving context, tattoos remained somewhat stigmatized into the 20th century. They were frequently associated with sailors, certain working-class professions, and marginalized groups, often relegated to the fringes of societal acceptance, exhibited in sideshows and burlesque venues.
Personnel records from the early 20th century, which cataloged tattoos under “distinguishing marks,” offer insights into the designs favored by Navy personnel. These records highlight the enduring popularity of motifs still seen on sailors today. Tattoo artists, often known by monikers like “Sailor” and each developing unique styles, established shops in port cities and near naval bases. Shipboard tattooing also remained common. The massive expansion of the Navy during World War II played a crucial role in fostering greater social acceptance of tattoos, paving the way for their eventual embrace by mainstream culture. This, coupled with the increasing diversity of recruits in the 21st-century Navy, has led to more lenient regulations regarding tattoos, making the Navy the most permissive branch of the U.S. military in this regard.
Traditional Navy Tattoo Symbols and Their Meanings
Navy tattoos are rich with symbolism, often representing milestones, experiences, and superstitions unique to seafaring life. Here are some of the most traditional and their meanings:
Anchor: Originally, an anchor tattoo signified a sailor had crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it’s often seen as a foundational nautical tattoo, a rite of passage for young sailors, frequently acquired during their first shore leave after boot camp. It represents stability, security, and hope.
Braided Rope/Line: Typically circling the left wrist, this tattoo denotes service in the deck division, signifying expertise in seamanship and ship operations.
Chinese/Asian Dragon: Emblematic of strength and good fortune, the dragon tattoo historically indicated service in China, particularly within the pre-World War II Asiatic Fleet. Later, it broadened to represent service in WESTPAC (Western Pacific) in general.
Compass Rose or Nautical Star: These navigational symbols are worn with the belief they will guide the sailor home safely, ensuring they never lose their way back to port. The nautical star, in particular, symbolizes guidance and finding your path.
Crossed Anchors: Located between the thumb and forefinger on the left hand, crossed anchors are the insignia for a boatswain’s mate or boatswain, a Navy rating badge denoting expertise in rigging, deck work, and boat handling.
Crossed Cannons or Guns: This symbol distinguishes naval service from merchant service, sometimes incorporated with patriotic or Navy-specific designs, highlighting a commitment to naval warfare and defense.
Crosses: Varied in design, crosses represent faith or serve as talismans. A unique superstition held that crosses tattooed on the soles of the feet would repel sharks, a practical concern for sailors in the age of sail.
Dagger Piercing a Heart: Often accompanied by the motto “Death Before Dishonor,” this tattoo poignantly symbolizes the end of a relationship due to infidelity, reflecting heartbreak and a code of honor.
Full-Rigged Ship: A classic, though now somewhat antiquated, tattoo commemorating the arduous feat of rounding Cape Horn, one of the most treacherous sea voyages, signifying resilience and maritime skill.
Golden Dragon: This tattoo signifies crossing the International Date Line into the “Realm of the Golden Dragon” (Asia), marking a significant geographical milestone in a sailor’s travels.
“Hold Fast” or “Shipmate”: Spelled across the knuckles of both hands, these phrases were originally believed to grant a sailor a firm grip on ship’s rigging. “Hold Fast” embodies resilience and determination, while “Shipmate” represents camaraderie and loyalty.
Hula Girl and/or Palm Tree: These tattoos denoted service in Hawaii. Hula girls sometimes featured in risqué designs, representing exotic locales and experiences abroad.
Pig and Rooster: A peculiar yet potent superstition dictated that a pig on the left foot and a rooster on the right would prevent drowning. This belief likely stems from the age of sail when livestock aboard sinking ships would often float due to their enclosures.
Shellback Turtle: The shellback turtle signifies that a sailor has crossed the equator, earning them the title of “Shellback.” “Crossing the Line” ceremonies and tattoos are significant traditions, often depicted with Neptune, mermaids, or geographical coordinates.
Ships’ Propellers (Screws): A more whimsical and audacious tattoo, twin propellers tattooed on the buttocks (“twin screws”) are meant to propel the wearer back home to loved ones if they fall overboard, showcasing a lighthearted take on maritime dangers.
Sombrero: Often depicted on a girl, the sombrero tattoo might indicate service on ships based in San Pedro or San Diego before World War II, a liberty visit to Tijuana, or participation in interwar cruises to Central and South America, representing experiences in the Americas.
Swallow: Originally, each swallow tattoo represented 5,000 nautical miles traveled. Swallows are frequently depicted in various poses, often combined with Navy symbols or names of loved ones, symbolizing journeys and return.
Sailors of USS Villalobos (PG-42) in the early 1900s, featuring visible tattoos like a butterfly and crucifix, reflecting the early 20th-century navy tattoo styles.
The Enduring Appeal of Navy Tattoos
Navy tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they are visual chronicles of a life at sea, a tapestry of tradition, superstition, and personal identity. They tell stories of voyages to distant lands, membership in a unique brotherhood, and the enduring spirit of those who serve in the navy. While tattoo regulations have evolved, and societal perceptions have shifted, the core significance of navy tattoos remains constant. They are a testament to the enduring allure of the sea and the timeless traditions of the men and women who navigate it.
Shipfitter Steven J Kusial in Guam during WWII, displaying a sombrero girl tattoo and swallow tattoos, illustrating the diverse symbolism in navy tattoos during the mid-20th century.
Further Reading:
“Skin Deep: The Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture” (The Sextant, NHHC’s blog, 1 April 2016)
United States Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665I), Chapter 2, Section 2: “Grooming Standards”
The tattoos of C.A. Lushbaugh, a Navy veteran of the 1920s, including a braided rope and crucifix, showcasing personal and Navy-related symbols.
A US Navy diver in 1951 with a diver qualification insignia tattoo, highlighting the tradition of inking naval qualifications and specialties.
A sailor aboard USS Little Rock (CLG-4) in 1973 with a “Death Before Dishonor” tattoo, illustrating the enduring themes of loyalty and principle in navy tattoo culture.
