question mark

Several classes have emailed to ask questions about anchors.  Since 1/C cadets aboard the TS Kennedy will be conducting anchoring drills this weekend, this seems like the perfect time to answer as many as possible.

How many anchors does the TS Kennedy have?

Why does the TS Kennedy need an anchor?

Does the TS Kennedy carry an extra anchor?

The TS Kennedy has two active anchors.  One is the port side anchor.  Port is the left side of the ship when facing the bow (the front).  Another anchor is on the starboard side of the ship.  Starboard is the right side of the ship when facing the bow (the front).  When the TS Kennedy is docked Taylors Point, the starboard side of the ship faces the dock. 


port anchor circled
Look closely!  Can you spot the TS Kennedy's port side anchor inside the red circle?

starboard anchor circled

 Although the two anchors are rarely used at the same time, having two anchors means there’s always a backup should one be required.  If one anchor was to become damaged or require maintenance, the other anchor could be used.

The TS Kennedy’s anchor digs into the seabed and provides a contact point for the ship. It isn’t just the weight of the anchor that holds the TS Kennedy in place.  The anchor is on the end of a heavy chain.  Each link weighs approximately 75 pounds.  The weight of the chain helps to hold the TS Kennedy in place.   


ships anchor while in dry dock
This is a photo of one of the TS Kennedy's anchors when the ship was in dry dock.  Yes, that is Mrs. Franks sitting on one of the anchor's flukes.  

 


anchor chain link with cell phone on it
Compare the size of the cell phone with the size of the anchor chain.

Do you need help picturing just how heavy 75 pounds is?  Here are two animals that can help us out.  An adult Javan Warty Pig and an adult Nilgiri Tahr each weigh 75 pounds.  Imagine that each link on the anchor chain weighs as much as one of these animals.


Jarvan warty pig
Nilgiri Tahr  animal

The TS Kennedy does carry an additional anchor on the bow of the ship. 

Please keep your questions coming!  Captain Campbell and the cadets enjoy hearing from students and teachers.

 

The TS Kennedy does carry an additional anchor on the bow of the ship. 

Please keep your questions coming!  Captain Campbell and the cadets enjoy hearing from students and teachers.