U.S. Navy Seaman Marlena Peter paints a mural of Popeye the Sailor Man in the foc’sle chain locker aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Dec. 5, 2013, while underway in the Atlantic Ocean US Navy photo 131205-N-BD333-047 by MCSN Bounome Chanphouang
Note the traditional nautical ink including Hold Fast (‘Avast) motto across his knuckles and the sweetheart tat of Olive Oil.
He first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theater on January 17, 1929, hence the ship out date on his forearm. Then of course the barn swallow on his shoulder is a traditional illustration for a mariner that has seen more than 5,000 nautical miles underway (and since its a land bird, always helps find shore). Also note the old school Figure Eight knot on his right hand denoting pre-1904 service in the old Apprentice programs (the same emblem is used as the seaman apprentice rate insignia these days)
