The O’Brien has two forward anchors on its bow, one on each side, port, and starboard. The windlass is used to raise the anchors and secure them before going to sea.
The large heavy chains are called anchor or chain cables and are secured in the chain locker when the anchors are heaved, or “brought up”, through the hawse pipe alongside the ship. Merchant Mariners who worked their way up the ranks were often referred to as “Hawspipers.”
The two-pronged device called a ‘devil’s claw’ secures the anchor chains. When released, the anchors free-fall into the water. As the anchor hits bottom, an appropriate amount of chain is also let out to weigh the anchor according to the existing conditions.
Each chain cable is 1,200 feet long, or 365 meters, the equivalent of four football fields. The O’Brien’s anchors differ slightly from each other as during restoration, one of them was sourced from a Victory ship. Liberty Ships also carried a spare anchor which was stored on the aft deck.
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The 3” gun platform above can be accessed by carefully climbing the vertical ladders on either side. Climb the ladders if you are capable.