Forcastle or Fo’c’s’le

The fo'c's'le or forecastle is the forward deck of the ship. It derives its name from sailing ship days when the raised forward deck was known as the forecastle. This was typically a raised, castle like structure where archers first could engage enemy ships.

The anchoring gear or ground tackle may be seen here. The chains lead to two navy stockless anchors. Each anchor weighs one ton. The holes that the anchors are held in are called hawespipe. Two pelican hooks, or chain stoppers, hold the anchors securely in place.

The anchor windlass is an electric drive hydraulic hoist used to raise and lower the anchors. It was only capable of handling one anchor at a time so that if a second anchor were to be used, the first anchor had to be secured and disconnected.

The anchor chain runs down through chain pipes to the chain locker where it is stored. Anchor chain is measured in shots, 15 fathoms to a shot, a fathom being six feet. The shots are connected by detachable links that come apart. The ship carried 120 fathoms of chain on the port anchor and 105 fathoms of chain on the starboard anchor.

The flag on the bow is the Union Jack. This flag is traditionally flown by US Navy warships when they are in port.

Fo’c’s’le is also the home to the 3 inch / 50 Caliber gun and the Hedgehogs.