Navy Anchor Tattoo Ideas and Designs for Sailors

One of the most common Navy tattoos is the anchor; a stalwart indication of character and integrity.

No other branch of the United States Armed Forces can compete with the sheer diversity of Navy tattoos, stretching back even beyond Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins in the 1940s.

For most sailors, the US Navy anchor signifies patriotism, the memorials of loved ones, or their unit within the service.

The anchor is also used to mark success over a seemingly insurmountable obstacle – that one’s troubles were ultimately not enough to drag them down.

Anchor tattoos often symbolize the strength present in ideals when incorporated with quotes and other images. Other options include complex ships and submarines, amazing aircraft carriers, or detailed firearms.

The following collection of the Navy anchor tattoo ideas display great technical skills that will help you find options for your next ink design.

1. Forearm Tattoos

2. Memorial Tattoo Designs

3. Shoulder and Upper Arm Ink

4. Simple Tattoos

5. Small Tattoo Ideas

6. American Traditional Tattoo Art

7. Contemporary US Navy Anchor Tattoos

8. Anchors With Rope Tattoo Ideas

FAQs

What do US Navy anchor tattoos symbolize?

Anchors carry a variety of meanings and symbolism. They are historically regarded as a signifier that one has made their first crossing over the Atlantic.

Naval officers and newcomers alike proudly bore the anchor tattoo not only as a mark of their first Atlantic journey but right of passage as well.

You’ll often find other important details, such as dog tags, insignia, and kit as part of designs.

Do I have to be in the Navy to get a Navy tattoo?

Navy tattoos are incredibly popular with American troops who are finally allowed to enjoy the merits of body art with greater freedom.

Outside of service, navy themed tattoos are most often commemorative and/or memorial tattoos.

If you haven’t served with a group or unit, then don’t get a tattoo of that group. Soldier’s tattoos are serious business and should be treated with respect.

What do other anchor tattoos represent?

The anchor is also used to mark success over a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, illustrating one’s troubles were ultimately not enough to drag them down.

Anchor tattoos also symbolize the strength present in ideals when incorporated with quotes and other images.

Can I get a Sailor Jerry tattoo anchor?

Legendary artist and innovator Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins inspires new subjects and artists every day.

Serving sailors with a love for tradition often go with Sailor Jerry style designs and flash tattoos, while western tattoo shops always have a page or two of his flash displayed on a wall or in a binder.

Skilled American traditional tattooers keen to meld the contemporary and traditional are also able to do modern riffs on old school Navy tattoos.

How much does a US Navy Anchor tattoo cost?

The cost of a US Navy tattoo comes down to various factors impacting on time. The less time your anchor takes to get inked, the less it will cost.

The average cost for an experienced artist is usually around $150 – $200 an hour, however, specialists in different styles will command more.

Small anchor tattoos can take an hour or two and cost as little as $200, while large complex pieces might start at $1000 and climb higher for painstaking dot work and line detail, old school traditional, or large scale pieces.