The Fouled Anchor is the emblem of the Rate of Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Attached to the Anchor is a length of chain and the letters U.S.N. Officially the letters stand for United States Navy. According to naval tradition, the letters are symbolic of the following: The "U" stands for Unity, which reminds us of cooperation, maintaining harmony and continuity of purpose and action. The "S"stands for Service, which reminds us of service to our God, our fellow man and our Navy.