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 top 51 best Navy anchor tattoo ideas display great technical skills that will help you find options for your next ink design.

  1. Forearm Navy Anchor Tattoos Source: @brennantat493 via Instagram Source: @gabdeer via Instagram Source: @goodisasgooddoes via Instagram Source: @leetattooxii via Instagram Source: @levymantick via Instagram Source: @shani.tattoo via Instagram
  2. Memorial Navy Anchor Tattoo Designs Source: @chrismorillotattoo via Instagram Source: @fishink_tattoo via Instagram Source: @patrickbennett1904 via Instagram Source: @tattoosbyabe via Instagram Source: @timberhearthtattoo via Instagram Source: @white.fuego_.tattoos via Instagram
  3. Shoulder and Upper Arm Navy Anchor Ink Source: @cm_handford via Instagram Source: @ramonsalazartat2 via Instagram Source: @riseghostofwar via Instagram Source: @skerrybrownie via Instagram Source: @tracimanley via Instagram
  4. Simple Navy Anchor Tattoos Source: @ambitious_ink_z via Instagram Source: @aztec_tatt via Instagram Source: @chaos.tattoos.egy_ via Instagram Source: @juanjo_tatuajes via Instagram Source: @lady_rahrah via Instagram Source: @mariojvegas via Instagram
  5. Small Navy Anchor Tattoo Ideas Source: @drdankenstein840 via Instagram Source: @marco_telinhos06 via Instagram Source: @sterlingskullstudio via Instagram
  6. American Traditional Navy Anchor Tattoo Art Source: @bigfoottattoos via InstagramSource: @kevyn_harper via Instagram Source: @lessposh via Instagram Source: @mattschroedertattoos via Instagram Source: @nicki_panganiban via Instagram Source: @nothingsacredtattoosd via Instagram Source: @sailoursimmons via Instagram Source: @scottytattoo84 via Instagram Source: @tattoofacemiller via Instagram Source: @that_rubie_subie via Instagram Source: @tylerbecktattoos via Instagram
  7. Contemporary US Navy Anchor Tattoos Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram Source: @andypho via Instagram Source: @erintorola via Instagram Source: @jengarz via Instagram Source: @scketchpulu via Instagram Source: @sean_oneill_illustration via Instagram Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram
  8. Anchors With Rope Tattoo Ideas Source: @ben__noir via Instagram Source: @blueloutattoo via Instagram Source: @camitattoo13 via Instagram Source: @dinosaurstudiotattoo via Instagram Source: @inktherapytattoosolution via InstagramSource: @drewshurtleff via InstagramSource: #InkTherapyProTeam Source: @jeremymaurstadtattooer via Instagram Source: @liathetattooer via Instagram

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 top 51 best Navy anchor tattoo ideas display great technical skills that will help you find options for your next ink design.

  1. Forearm Navy Anchor Tattoos Source: @brennantat493 via Instagram Source: @gabdeer via Instagram Source: @goodisasgooddoes via Instagram Source: @leetattooxii via Instagram Source: @levymantick via Instagram Source: @shani.tattoo via Instagram
  2. Memorial Navy Anchor Tattoo Designs Source: @chrismorillotattoo via Instagram Source: @fishink_tattoo via Instagram Source: @patrickbennett1904 via Instagram Source: @tattoosbyabe via Instagram Source: @timberhearthtattoo via Instagram Source: @white.fuego_.tattoos via Instagram
  3. Shoulder and Upper Arm Navy Anchor Ink Source: @cm_handford via Instagram Source: @ramonsalazartat2 via Instagram Source: @riseghostofwar via Instagram Source: @skerrybrownie via Instagram Source: @tracimanley via Instagram
  4. Simple Navy Anchor Tattoos Source: @ambitious_ink_z via Instagram Source: @aztec_tatt via Instagram Source: @chaos.tattoos.egy_ via Instagram Source: @juanjo_tatuajes via Instagram Source: @lady_rahrah via Instagram Source: @mariojvegas via Instagram
  5. Small Navy Anchor Tattoo Ideas Source: @drdankenstein840 via Instagram Source: @marco_telinhos06 via Instagram Source: @sterlingskullstudio via Instagram
  6. American Traditional Navy Anchor Tattoo Art Source: @bigfoottattoos via InstagramSource: @kevyn_harper via Instagram Source: @lessposh via Instagram Source: @mattschroedertattoos via Instagram Source: @nicki_panganiban via Instagram Source: @nothingsacredtattoosd via Instagram Source: @sailoursimmons via Instagram Source: @scottytattoo84 via Instagram Source: @tattoofacemiller via Instagram Source: @that_rubie_subie via Instagram Source: @tylerbecktattoos via Instagram
  7. Contemporary US Navy Anchor Tattoos Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram Source: @andypho via Instagram Source: @erintorola via Instagram Source: @jengarz via Instagram Source: @scketchpulu via Instagram Source: @sean_oneill_illustration via Instagram Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram
  8. Anchors With Rope Tattoo Ideas Source: @ben__noir via Instagram Source: @blueloutattoo via Instagram Source: @camitattoo13 via Instagram Source: @dinosaurstudiotattoo via Instagram Source: @inktherapytattoosolution via InstagramSource: @drewshurtleff via InstagramSource: #InkTherapyProTeam Source: @jeremymaurstadtattooer via Instagram Source: @liathetattooer via Instagram

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 top 51 best Navy anchor tattoo ideas display great technical skills that will help you find options for your next ink design.

1. Forearm Navy Anchor Tattoos

Source: @brennantat493 via Instagram

Source: @gabdeer via Instagram

Source: @goodisasgooddoes via Instagram

Source: @leetattooxii via Instagram

Source: @levymantick via Instagram

Source: @shani.tattoo via Instagram

2. Memorial Navy Anchor Tattoo Designs

Source: @chrismorillotattoo via Instagram

Source: @fishink_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @patrickbennett1904 via Instagram

Source: @tattoosbyabe via Instagram

Source: @timberhearthtattoo via Instagram

Source: @white.fuego_.tattoos via Instagram

3. Shoulder and Upper Arm Navy Anchor Ink

Source: @cm_handford via Instagram

Source: @ramonsalazartat2 via Instagram

Source: @riseghostofwar via Instagram

Source: @skerrybrownie via Instagram

Source: @tracimanley via Instagram

4. Simple Navy Anchor Tattoos

Source: @ambitious_ink_z via Instagram

Source: @aztec_tatt via Instagram

Source: @chaos.tattoos.egy_ via Instagram

Source: @juanjo_tatuajes via Instagram

Source: @lady_rahrah via Instagram

Source: @mariojvegas via Instagram

5. Small Navy Anchor Tattoo Ideas

Source: @drdankenstein840 via Instagram

Source: @marco_telinhos06 via Instagram

Source: @sterlingskullstudio via Instagram

6. American Traditional Navy Anchor Tattoo Art

Source: @bigfoottattoos via InstagramSource: @kevyn_harper via Instagram

Source: @lessposh via Instagram

Source: @mattschroedertattoos via Instagram

Source: @nicki_panganiban via Instagram

Source: @nothingsacredtattoosd via Instagram

Source: @sailoursimmons via Instagram

Source: @scottytattoo84 via Instagram

Source: @tattoofacemiller via Instagram

Source: @that_rubie_subie via Instagram

Source: @tylerbecktattoos via Instagram

7. Contemporary US Navy Anchor Tattoos

Source: @2bitsmashisttattoos via Instagram

Source: @andypho via Instagram

Source: @erintorola via Instagram

Source: @jengarz via Instagram

Source: @scketchpulu via Instagram

Source: @sean_oneill_illustration via Instagram

Source: @tattoosbythomgreen via Instagram

8. Anchors With Rope Tattoo Ideas

Source: @ben__noir via Instagram

Source: @blueloutattoo via Instagram

Source: @camitattoo13 via Instagram

Source: @dinosaurstudiotattoo via Instagram

Source: @inktherapytattoosolution via InstagramSource: @drewshurtleff via InstagramSource: #InkTherapyProTeam

Source: @jeremymaurstadtattooer via Instagram

Source: @liathetattooer via Instagram

                        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.

                        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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.