Anchor Chain for Future U.S. Navy Vessels

摘要

Large anchor chain used by the U.S. Navy has been made by the die lock forging process developed at the Boston Naval Shipyard. This facility has been closed, and no commercial manufacturer in this country is currently making chain of the size needed (4-3/4 in.) for large aircraft carriers. The options open to the Navy are discussed. These options include the manufacture of die lock chain by industry, utilizing the dies being stored by the Navy. Welded chain could be made in the United States or purchased abroad. For the long term, the committee recommends the rapid development of welded chain, starting with the smaller sizes, for use by the Navy. The immediate problem, supplying chain to carriers under construction or expected to be built soon, should be solved by a resumption of die lock chain manufacture if equipment (large presses, heat treating furnaces, and chain transport), dies, and skills are available.