It is believed that the origins of sailor tattoos goes back to the 1700s when Captain John Cook’s crew decided to get tattoos as “souvenirs” of their visit to the South Pacific. Jump ahead to WWII when many sailors found themselves in Honolulu visiting Sailor Jerry to get a tattoo before shipping out. To honor this art form and tradition the USS Bowfin Tattoo Collection celebrates the pride and commitment to one’s boat.