ABOARD U.S. NAVY VESSELS — The U.S. Navy operates some of the largest and most advanced warships in the world — and with that power comes some of the most extreme maintenance jobs imaginable. One of the toughest? Cleaning and maintaining the massive anchor chains that secure these behemoths in port or at sea.

Each chain link can weigh over 300 pounds, and the anchor itself can tip the scales at more than 30,000 pounds. Sailors and technicians must routinely inspect, clean, and repaint these links to prevent corrosion and ensure operational reliability. This backbreaking task involves hydraulic machinery, protective gear, and extreme attention to detail.

The process isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about national security. A malfunctioning anchoring system can put a multi-billion-dollar warship at risk. The job also gives a deeper look into the incredible complexity of modern naval operations, where everything from line handling to anchoring is a finely tuned system requiring skill, strength, and teamwork.