What does it mean to have "Afowl Anchors"?

Question

Please provide some kind of Navy source.

Answer 1

A fouled anchor has the line wrapped around it.  In practical application it won't let the flukes, pointy things, dig in to get proper purchase, i.e. grip.

For emblems it's used to add detail to the anchor.

If you need a source try Googling 'Nautical Glossary'.

Good Luck

Answer 2

There several explanations of the source of the fouled anchor in naval history.  Here are a few ... pick the one that seems most accurate to you.

Answer 3

:

A fouled anchor is made difficult or impossible to  to retrieve.

A fouled anchor can be fouled with and or by:

1.  another anchor, your own boats' or another ...vessel's   anchor,rode ,  .line or fishing appatratus..

2. an undersea cable or pipeline.

3.  undersea naturual structures ( coral reef e.g. )

4.  Wrecks  & probably more...

5  or br fouled with itself

And as cited above on naval uniforms.