By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Caleb Cooper
USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla.– Culinary Specialists (CSs) from several ships participating in, including USS Wasp (LHD 1), competed against each other in the Galley Wars competition at Hugh’s Catering in Oakland Park, Fla., April 28, during Fleet Week Port Everglades.
Five culinary teams of four sailors had one hour to create their own dish with available ingredients, including the secret ingredient swordfish, for judges and guests to decide upon.
The CSs enjoyed the chance to show off their culinary skills creating their own entrees in smaller portions compared the large portions they prepare for the men and women of the Navy.
“It’s one of those things you can’t really prepare for,” said CS2 Curtis Pacheco. “You don’t really know what you’ll be working with until you get there.”
The five teams all merited a different type of award from the judges and the guests, who decided what the teams did best with their dish.
“It was the first time I had done something like this and it was really fun,” said Pacheco. “There was definitely a lot of competitiveness in the kitchen between the ships.”
While the teams prepared their dishes, sailors, officers, guests and supporters were allowed back in the kitchen to observe and take photos of the teams working.
The sailors received great reviews and praise for their time and effort.
The Navy continues to improve CSs training and provide more opportunities to advance their ability to create the best possible entrees for the sailors they are cooking for.
The vital role of Culinary Specialists affects everything from mission readiness to morale, providing meals for sailors and officers at every base around the world.
Wasp is in Port Everglades, April 25-30, for the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration. Overall, about 3,000 sailors and Marines and six ships are in attendance.
The War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration is part of a series of city visits by the Navy that will occur over the next three years; it is a salute to all sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who have served in our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.