THE FOULED ANCHOR
The Fouled Anchor is the emblem of the Rate of Chief Petty Officer
of the United States Navy. Attached to the Anchor is a length of chain
and the letters U.S.N. To the novice, the anchor, chain and letters only
identify a Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy, but, to a Chief,
these have a more noble and glorious meaning.
The "U" stands for Unity, which reminds us of cooperation, maintaining
harmony and continuity of purpose and action. The "S" stands for Service,
which reminds us of service to our God, our fellow man and our Navy. The
"N" stands for Navigation, which reminds us to keep ourselves on a true
course so that we may walk upright before God and man in our transactions
with all mankind, but especially with our fellow Chiefs.
The "Chain" is symbolic of flexibility and reminds us of the chain
of life that we forge day by day, link by link and may it be forged with
Honor, Morality and Virtue.
The "Anchor" is emblematic of the hope and glory of the fulfillment
of all God's promises to our souls. The golden or precious Anchor by which
we must be kept steadfast in faith and encouraged to abide in our proper
station amidst the storm of temptation, affliction and persecution.