Photo By 1st Lt. Tessa Lindsey | A culinary specialist assigned to the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army field...... read more read more
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FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA — As the 11th Airborne Division engages in joint military training with the Indian Army during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, one team from the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic) is drawing attention for its precision, endurance and culinary expertise.
A field feeding section composed of eight U.S. soldiers has been working tirelessly to support the multinational exercise, preparing more than 40,000 meals over the course of the operation. The team, currently in the running for the Army’s Best Field Feeding Team competition, has been planning logistics for the mission since June, three months prior to the exercise’s start.
Operating from 0300 to 1930 daily, with only brief pauses between meal services, the team has demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also cross-cultural adaptability. Working alongside Indian Army counterparts, the U.S. cooks have exchanged techniques and introduced new kitchen technologies, fostering mutual learning between the two forces.
“This has been a great opportunity for all the soldiers involved,” said Master Sgt. Frank Dunbar, Senior Culinary Management, with the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division, “It has given the mid-level leaders the ability to align our capabilities and work collaboratively with our Indian counterparts.”
The collaboration has allowed both militaries to explore diverse culinary practices, from spice blends and cooking styles to sanitation protocols and mobile kitchen setups. Indian Army personnel have gained hands-on experience with U.S. field feeding systems, while U.S. soldiers have adapted to local ingredients and cooking conditions.
An Indian Army Cook, of 19 years, spoke on his experience during the exercise, “Similar to U.S. cooking, we operate with strict hygiene rules and regulations. We also have demanding schedules with long hours, similar to our U.S. counterparts. American food is good and they provide a lot of dietary choices. It has been exciting to learn about the new technologies that are used in the U.S.”
Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2), Justin Moore, Senior Advisor and Subject Matter Expert, with the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division gave praise to his team and the field feeding team leader, Staff Sgt. Ginoah Miller for his dedication to ensuring the success of the joint training mission and meal delivery process.
“None of this would have been possible without this incredible team and Staff Sgt. Miller,” said Chief warrant officer two, Moore. “This has been a great opportunity to see the combining of all of our expertise in food service and to be able to provide knowledge in the technological advancements in food service.”
Exercise Yudh Abhyas, an annual bilateral training event, emphasizes interoperability and joint readiness. For the 1st Brigade’s field feeding section, it’s also a proving ground—one where teamwork, endurance and innovation are on full display.
As the exercise continues, the team remains focused on its mission: fueling the force, one meal at a time.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2025 17:26 |
| Story ID: | 547711 |
| Location: | FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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