Inside US $13 Billion Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Kitchen

I was a Mess (later named Culinary in the early 90’s) Specialist for a little over 16 years. I served at a large recruit command and some years later on supply ships, carriers and other ships/commands, during my time in. The one very important thing I learned at culinary school (out of San Diego, CA., in 1987) from my instructors was this: “Would you eat the same food, that you are making for the crew? Because if your answer is ‘No’, the you don’t deserve to become a cook or baker for your shipmates!” Back then, we still made everything by scratch; not many pre-packaged or processed food, especially when you are out at sea for long durations. We had to get creative but in the end it was all worth it. So, when I cooked (and later became head baker, then a teacher at different times in) I made sure that we had the best food available for the crew to eat. God knows that sometimes you can have a real crappy day out at sea but having one (or many) good meals, a sandwich, mid-rat, a nice slice of cake or a warm chocolate chip cookie to bite into, just made working a 12 to 14 shift, all the bit better, when working with 3,000 to (close to) 6,000 people who become closer than family to you. As a Navy veteran, I will honestly say, I was very proud of my MOS/profession and still am.

Former Navy veteran 92-98 on two Destroyers. I took all the Mess Specialist for granted. Here’s my thank you now. Helped the crew get through 6 month deployments.

Thank you everyone for your service to keep our country safe. It does not matter if you are a cook or a fighter pilot. Everyone is helping our country. Thank you again Enlisted and Officers.

Without these cooks there is no crew! Respect to them all 👊

Cooks are God's gift to mankind.

I didn't care if it was mess hall, a galley or an enlisted club the folks in the kitchens had my fullest respect.

Our military & veterans deserve the best of everything. 🇺🇸❤️

Wasn't in the Navy, in the Army. We had pretty good chow when we weren't out in the field. Those soldiers did a job providing us with a great meal.

These cooks deserve respect. In addition the crew should eat like kings. They deserve it.

I was a Navy cook (then called Mess Management Specialist) for 13 years. First, the kitchen on any ship is called a galley. Second, I enjoy it the whole time. Two aircraft carriers, one replenishment oiler, and on amphibious assault ship with Marines.

I served in the Air Force SAC at Malmstrom. EVERYTHING was top-notch. I was law enforcement but recalled some very awesome meals. The chefs back then were Air Force chefs who had a lot of pride. It wasn't too long after that the USAF contracted its food services to the highest bidder....then everything became bland. The USAF chef's back in the day fueled the morale and the stomachs of SAC warriors. We may not have said it, but we always appreciated you guys! Thank you!

i am a former Afghan pilot and i can't imagine how hard could be the way you doing but I want to say to those who work and serve in the kitchen that you are a hero and thank you for your service.

Thanks to all for your service keeping us all safe

I was in the Navy from '71 to '75 as a cook. We were called Commissaryman then which got changed to Mess Management Specialist. I remember the Chief telling us that guys were going to complain about the chow, but don't take it too seriously, maybe they wanted to punch out their Chief or First class and couldn't so they will take out their frustration on us. He also reminded us that when it comes to food and cooking, it's just like politics, religion, and sex. Everybody's an expert!

I was on board USS Enterprise (CVN-65) from 1986-1989 as LCPO of S-2 Division which is responsible of feeding 6200 men 24/7. No regrets whatsoever. I enjoyed my whole tour.

Thank you to all who serve!!! Praying for you always!!!

you can't fight with an empty stomach...great job to the cook and its crew inside the US AIRCRAFT CARRIER

Sleeping on a carrier or sub is like sleeping in a coffin. You also worked long hours in an absolute maze. I'm just glad that the US Government at least understood the importance of a quality mess hall. It makes a world of difference. Our military members eat probably better than most civilians. As they should. 👍👍 ---Ex-Marine

I was on the Truman in 2007 to 2008 cruise, I was a jet engine mechanic on one of the squadrons, it was rough on the flight deck and exhausting, but coming down to the mess deck was nice, they always talked to us and joked and ours actually made good food for real. Thanks CS’s mean it!

Whether at war or not, those kitchen folks are actively contributing. Real unsung heroes