Nov. 15, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 141
DAILY DIGEST
SEA AND ANCHOR O SAILORS CONTROL THE SHIP FROM THE FO’C’SLE
Story and photo by MCSN Eric M. Butler
ver the last month we’ve heard the call over the 1MC for the sea and anchor detail numerous times. It occurred during the straits transit and when we anchored off Naples, Italy. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jacob M. Brill, from Whittier, Calif., and Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Kyle J. Baker, from Montevideo, Minn., explain the process that takes place in the fo’c’sle, what it takes to move
a large and expensive nuclear aircraft carrier through narrow straits, and what keeps it parked in place when anchored. “Basically when we set the sea and anchor detail, that’s when we make all the preparations prior to pulling into port or dropping anchor,” said Brill. “That’s when we make our manned and ready reports.” Using the anchor is an important part of sea and anchor detail. Baker said that using the anchor is an emergency method
of turning the ship in case there is a loss of steering, especially during a strait transit. Baker explained how the anchor can steer the ship. “Just in case of an emergency, dropping anchor is the last line of defense if everything fails to slow the ship down,” said Baker. “Let’s say there will be a contact on the starboard side. We would drop the port anchor so that the ship will veer to the port side and vice versa.” Brill gave an example from two Continued on page 3