I received a letter from ADM F.C. Johnson, USS LA, 1952-55 explaining the purpose and use of the bow chains. The chains were called "haul down chains" and were part of a mine sweeping apparatus that included wire ropes and paravanes (a wire rope towed each paravane). The haul down chains positioned the sweep wire rope tow point at the forefoot of the ship; the paravanes' fins and rudder caused it to 'swim' the sweep wire rope out to the sides of the ship at a specific distance and depth, thus enabling the cable cutters on the wire rope to cut a mine's anchor cable. When not in use, paravanes were stored on the forward deck house bulkhead aft of turret 2.
-- Thanks to ADM Johnson for the info.
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Update August 8, 2011
Two WWII sailors said the chains were part of a mine-sweeping apparatus that deflected the mines away from the ship; no more details at this time. If anybody else has an idea, let me know.
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Original post, August 2, 2011
From the USS Los Angeles' commissioning until 1952-53, the ship had two chains and pulleys in the bow between the normal holes for the bow mooring lines. These chains/pulleys do not appear in 1956 and later photos. See photos below. If anyone knows what these small bow chains were used for, please let me know (my email address is on the USS LA website).
