The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) earned the 2014 Captain Edward F. Ney Award for best submarine galley in the U.S. Navy.
The annual award, co-sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA), encourages excellence in the U.S. Navy Food Service programs with the objective of improving the quality of life for the U.S. Navy personnel.
“Winning this award allows the Culinary Specialist division to be properly recognized for the hard work and persistent dedication they devote to the crew members on a daily basis,” said Lt. j.g. Franklin Roberson, the supply officer on board City of Corpus Christi. “The ability to maintain an exceptional operation speaks volumes for culinary specialists.”
The Culinary Division on the City of Corpus Christi is made up of 10 Culinary Specialists who prepare three meals a day for the 150 crewmembers.
“Teamwork was the key to success,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Gerald Davis. “To accomplish this with such a young group of guys is my favorite part.”
Many crewmembers stated that their high morale was in a large part due to the quality of the food served aboard.
“Everyone enjoys the food,” said Sonar Technician Submarines Seaman Stuart Wright. “To win this award lets us know we are getting the best food.”
“I really like the variety, it’s the best,” said Wright, echoing other crew members with what they enjoy most of their galley. “We get everything from authentic southern country cooking to Asian and Hispanic foods.”
“It was a big morale boost for the whole boat, not only the Culinary Specialist Division,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Bickert upon winning the award. “The whole crew was pulling for us to win it.”
The Ney award is given to the ship that most successfully sets the standards for cleanliness in the galleys, quality of food, and overall service of the food support team.
City of Corpus Christi is the second ship to be named after the Texas city, and is capable of conducting both anti-surface and anti-submarine operations along with guided-missile strike operations using conventional Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.
[mappress] Press Release, May 16, 2014; Image: US Navy