How Aircraft Carriers Prepare 17,000 Meals A Day For 5,000 US Navy Sailors

[@navymedia]

Have you ever been on an aircraft carrier?! Tell us about it! 😃

[@50buttfish]

The Kitty Hawk, on a morale visit (AF); last thing was, they still haven't found the new guy who was looking for the bowling alley.

[@thomasdaily4363]

USS Forrestal, 1985-1987

[@captainyossarian388]

The Midway, docked as a museum ship in San Diego. Photos do not do carriers justice. I recall the galleys being quite large as shown here, though nowhere near as large as the massive jaw dropping hangar or the sprawling flight deck.

[@SpringDivers]

USS Forrestal CVA-59 '68-'72. Things have changed.

[@kevinvojta692]

CV-67 1981- 1984. Are food was crap. One day after working 18 hours straight in CVIC. I went into line, and waited 2-1/2 hours. For a cold burger patty. And a hand full of cold white rice.

[@wooddawg4868]

Food is food. When I was in the army in the field our Base commander insisted everyone ate the same thing and rank meant nothing. He only required separate staff meeting to business for officers that’s it. Our unit was faster and more rested because of it. The base commander also required every person regardless of rank work with the cooks on rotation to appreciate what they do.

[@HateTheIRS]

First part I can understand But forcing non cooks, to work with cooks is a waste of time. Kind of pointless to work in the chow hall if someone has to constantly tell You what to Do. Because. A non cook working in the chow hall Makes no sense. But first part yeah, eat the same food regardless of rank yeah

[@WilliamKing-hf8lc]

@@HateTheIRS He was talking about field service/ Just set up, serve and break down. Not that hard for a non cook to do!

[@cwg73160]

@@HateTheIRS Lots of things don’t make sense if you don’t bother to learn.

[@HateTheIRS]

@@WilliamKing-hf8lc ok that seems reasonable. My unit had me actually workin in the kitchen for 2 days and i was completely useless when the NCO had to constantly tell me where everything was

[@WilliamKing-hf8lc]

@@HateTheIRS A little bit of Extra Duty there Ehhh!?😁!

[@georgetuider654]

I spent 32 years in uniform. I am eternally grateful to the men and women who fed me. I don't know how you did it morning noon and night. One thing I do know, I ALWAYS appreciated it! Thank you all so much!

[@lilthunder9623]

Thank you for your service George, meanwhile civilian kitchens get complaints about fries being too crispy. 😂

[@johnzeszut3170]

I was in the Army from 69 to 72 and after basic training the cooks did a pretty good job!

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

@@lilthunder9623 it was his idea to join and he was paid very well with lifetime medical and retirement. If you want to thank someone thank the men that were drafted and had no choice.

[@Sam-pv1hz]

@@lilthunder9623 I mean if they serve me a bunch of mini bricks i'd send em back to.

[@kennethhill3054]

My first job onboard the USS Davis was a CPO (Chief Petty officer) mess cook a three month duty. As I remember it the chiefs all ate the same food as the enlisted men .I don't remember what happened in the ward room because I not invited. I was stationed on the Davis from 1971-1973 with a 6month tour in Vietnam and I witnessed many heroic moments ,maney incredible moments some negative and some positive and some that were unbelievable. Your review of this air craft carrier was obviously a well planned video and I do believe that if you haven't been there in real time you just don't know!!

[@forrestcommander6283]

Carriers have a serious benefit of a 24 hour galley. I’m a small boy sailor, and our ship had extremely strict chow hours. My worst experience occurred when I got off watch, was getting in line for chow, then the unthinkable happened: “EMERGENCY UNDERWAY!” I got off watch and had to wait another 7 hours to have a bite to eat

[@eversince93]

There’s not a 24 hour galley? Midrats has a timeframe, if I remember correctly it’s 2300-0200

[@forrestcommander6283]

@@eversince93 during emergency underway, shit changes. They do midrats, but we were either at sea and anchor or underway watch. We only had 1/3 of the crew aboard

[@cadillaccooke811]

Keep ramen in your rack man. You be aight

[@machine1266]

I know I was on a destroyer from 85-88.

[@georgesedeno7891]

...and you lived to tell about it!!!!

[@jacobnyhart6862]

As a former US Navy sailor (fast attack submarine), we had the absolute best culinary staff in the world. They served 4 meals per day, and everything was always perfect (even when fresh stores ran out and they had to prep canned foods). The 2am checkout for cookies trade was the best. I hated that some people disrespected the cooks because "they were just cooks". They were more than "just cooks". They were friends, our lifeline to survival, and above all else, our shipmates.

[@richardiwanski7512]

Work on a sub tender special storeroom for you guy you deserve it. I think it one of hardest job in the navy me myself I couldn't be a bubble head

[@1000-r3g]

For you ... others might have enjoyed a manwhich a whole bunch more, eh?

[@imtryinghere1]

They can all be replaced with microwaves and hot pockets

[@Gnomezonbacon]

Oh they're just cooks? Armies march on stomachs.

[@blackjac5000]

I seem to remember it being a bad idea to infuriate the people who handle your food...

[@projektxent]

I was in the Army not Navy however I am extremely impressed on the logistics and organization our men and women have developed. Great video

[@navymedia]

Thank you!

[@michaelm5405]

I'm unimpressed by the sheer amount of junk food.

[@buckwheatusfeatus4825]

I agree my dad was in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during the 60's and 70's. From what he told me, this is defiinitely an improvement.

[@elbowgang9715]

Man our food was trash in the Army compared to this. We got a steak dinner once a year and that shit was tough as nails lol

[@projektxent]

@@elbowgang9715 all facts. You get a steak dinner in the Army you already know what is about to happen

[@ourv9603]

During Viet Nam, My carrier served 4 meals a day. Breakfast, Lunch, Supper & at 11pm they set out box lunches & whatever the bakery had leftover from that days baking. The 11pm meal was first & foremost for the watch crew, but, they always put out WAY more box lunches than was needed & all hands knew it too. So, anyone who was still up in their sleeping compartment reading, writing or watching tv, they could & would come down to the mess deck and get a late night snack and take it back to their compartment. Yeah, the Navy saw to it we all were well fed. !

[@ChrisM541]

I could handle a late evening snack years ago, not today even if I wanted to, lol.

[@FartBiter]

Midrats!

[@weirdo1083]

What do they do with all the shit and piss on board do they just let it all go out into the sea.

[@ChrisM541]

@@weirdo1083 With your name, sounds like you're volunteering to take it off them?

[@FartBiter]

@@weirdo1083 it goes to the CHT, collection holding tank and then eventually to the sea. I believe it has to be 12 miles out or some significant distance. Where do you think the Chocolate starfish come from?

[@Fsudryden]

My Grandfather and Father in Law both served as Navy cooks. Without Navy cooks the sailors wouldn't have the energy to make the ships run. Thank you.

[@T.Z.M4N]

It was was always good to be friends with the cooks for they would take care of you while on watch.

[@luckyrockmore2796]

Best job in the Navy imo!

[@ghnanrohit3029]

There is no job in navy other than doing nothing in no war time no exercise time only chipping and painting

[@carlosfrontera5720]

These are the kind of cooks I salute at any given time. Cooking 170 meals per day, per cook, that is one hell of a cook, respect to all of you cooking aboard a U.S. Aircraft Carrier.

[@cheagle464]

I started out doing fast food in high school, went to even volunteering for mess duty in Marine Corps and cooking in the chiefs mess on board LPH-3 and National Guard. Ended up running kitchens in nursing homes, buffet restaurants and half-way houses. Can't imagine any other career so much fun and rewarding.

[@chrisi2166]

I am from Germany and I am so impressed. Thank you guys for feeding these heroes. And thank you for being a friend of Europe and the Nato.

[@MrMurda4456]

Seeing my commander and first sergeant eat the same food we did AND be the last two in the chow line was always a sign of camaraderie and respect to me. Hot meals bring all people together regardless of rank.

[@deusvult6920]

Yup. It's something the navy is still getting wrong. Heck even my team leader wouldn't eat before the Joe's except in Iraq we'd stop at the green zone to eat at the dfac there and my squad would rotate who was left and had a hot plate brought to them and the nco's would rotate in that as well I dont understand why the navy insists on treating people differently while deployed.

[@Retired88M]

Once I was promoted to E-6 Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves I and everyone my rank or above would wait until all the lower ranks were fed. And I dint know if they appreciated it but it was like an unwritten rule.

[@briggsquantum]

@@Retired88M Having authority over the lower ranks means you also have responsibility for them. And that's why the lower ranks eat first, or at least at the same time. It extends beyond food too. Same in the Canadian Army, when I served.

[@ashlinday4469]

I think a lot of places don’t like enlisted and officers eating together to avoid fraternization, and also, I believe, officers are supposed to pay for their meals due to an agreement Washington made with congress so it makes sense their food would be better… I may be wrong but this is what I seem to remember.

[@musicpatron1693]

because navy fights like a machine and not a human and needs strict obedience to orders to work...any fraternization or disrespect to a higher rank could completely shelve a mission at sea@@deusvult6920

[@gregvetter5070]

Never served in the Navy. I was an Army guy. I did, however, work 4 years in Alaska on the oil platforms (Cook inlet). Let me tell you, those on-board chefs and bakers kept our crews well fed. Hats off to them and the men and women feeding the armed forces. Peace!

[@CelestialStar1965]

I have two sons in the navy. One of them is a culinary specialist. I enjoyed watching this video. I now have a better understanding of what he does.

[@TheCuriousNoob]

The best military in the world is only as good as the logistics and culinary folks who supply them!

[@MetalsirenIXI]

The amount of engineering, science, logistics involved feeding 17,000 meals per day out at sea is incredible.

[@bjvu9460]

those poor bathrooms... where do they store all that ish

[@Tsu-d9o]

@@bjvu9460 The ocean.

[@John-qb3ss]

Navy would buy bulk beef 20 lb chucks roast it slice it serve it

[@NazriB]

Lies again? AMWF Car Grab Food

[@akshayshahane7717]

But mostly engineering man

[@freethinker2350]

I was in the Army. I've eaten in USAF and USN facilities as well. The best food I had was when I was TDY at Norfolk Naval Station and I was lucky enough to eat there on Navy Day. Hats off to them! If you're gonna be at sea for months you at least deserve the best food.

[@doodskie999]

Man, without these guys, our soldiers would go nowhere nor have the energy or motivation. Cooks are the real heroes that don't get enough credit.

[@workoutlui]

As a previous Navy cook, Mess Management Specialist MS3 (E-4), now known as Culinary Specialist, we had a galley for E-6 and below. An E-7 to E-9 galley, and an Officer galley as well. We were cooks and bakers. Cooked 4 meals a day, washed and pressed all the senior enlisted and officers every freaking day when underway (at sea). Not to mention clean their staterooms and a shit load of collateral duties. To think that most officers were POS and ungrateful for our hard ass work. Honestly, pilots were the worse. The engineering and logistic officers were pretty cool. As well as senior enlisted. Served in two ships: USS Bellauwood and USS Valley Forge. I can honestly say that I served my Country :) 😀

[@mercster]

Classy.

[@LB__1]

I commend you for your service and what you have endured.

[@jakeg3126]

I guess you had E- nough

[@keithc.5764]

@@mercster Shut your useless hole asshat!!!!!!!!! that upset you? snowflake POS

[@mercster]

@@keithc.5764 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[@robertortiz381]

These men and women deserve nothing but the best, thank you all who have served and those who will

[@bigdaddychacha]

Incredibly impressive. It almost hurts the brain to think of the amount of space, coordination, timing, organization, and skill needed to consistently and nutritiously feed that number of people in that kind of space. Fascinating to get an inside look at it.

[@Tsu-d9o]

and to think that's just one of hundreds of ships.

[@austindarrenor]

@@Tsu-d9o The US has 11 aircraft carriers.

[@georgetunstill2341]

My dad was a military cook when he was in the Army. I think even he will be amazed at what the preparation and effort those Navy cooks go through to feed the entire crew of an aircraft carrier. My hats off to them.

[@greybush38]

I served for 20 years in the Navy as a MS/CS. I have cooked for the crew & the officers as well as the CO. It was a wonderful journey and I miss it very much! God bless our cooks and troops.

[@youtubeme7195]

As a Marine who served on three ships. The cooks busted their asses and fed the hell out of us dogs.

[@1003196110031961]

The logistics of 17000 meals a day is mind boggling and to restock a battle group on duty is truly incredible. My hat off to everyone involved.

[@MrSkme]

Especially considering its just a lie to get more views. The largest aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Gerald R. Ford has about 4500 people at most.

[@joshbaker2437]

I did not serve, but I have relatives that did. I just wanted to say that I'm thankful to everyone that has and is serving this country. For me your service is one of the most important duties a citizen of the U.S. can do. Thank you for all of your sacrifices.

[@pblchldy8082]

Oh yea imagine serving for a country with corrupt politicians smoking cigars on beaches while normal citizens give up their lives for money....what a noble way to live your life lol

[@audieconrad8995]

My dad was Chief of the Galley on 2 DE's during the Korean conflict. He loved it and always said he had the best job on board.

[@machine1266]

I remember being deployed in 1990 in the Red Sea during Thanksgiving. I have to say the Cooks on the ship I was on really did a good job preparing a wonderful meal

[@jrow84]

I was on night shift in some dump outside Houston for Christmas a few years ago. Me and my coworker the only two guests at the hotel. The one lady working there brought frozen chicken strips for us and her kids because everything within miles was closed

[@ishmael_03]

I'm always amazed by how logistics are used on a massive scale such as this. 🤩

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

U boats in WW2 "we just have what we have to survive, we are fighting for our lives U.S Carriers " we just eating all the best meals possible, there is no war we don't fight, we just wake up to eat....captain gets lobster we all just get roast"

[@AB-vu1yl]

@@mentalasylumescapee6389 Great food is ued to keep up the morale of the staff. Which helps them do their jobs properly. The ships that are out during peacetime are there to protect the Seas and to exert US influence. Meaning they need to be happy and well fed. :)

[@Leeterthanthou]

its been perfected and passed down how to do it right for thousands of years

[@Chadius_Thundercock]

@@mentalasylumescapee6389 so should we fed our service men and women absolutely disgusting food? What is the point of your comment

[@colin5197]

@@Chadius_Thundercock I think his point was; it was a lot less pleasant being deployed on a Submarine than a Carrier.

[@pvang9334]

Huge respect to all cooks in all branches. When I was still in the Army, the cooks from my unit barely slept during our 2 week annual training. I enoyed helping them out by volunteering to do KP often.

[@blueduck9409]

I always found that the army had better chow than just about anywhere else. The armys breakfast was always great.

[@Ferguson-qz7do]

@@blueduck9409 I see modern youtubers eat WW2 army meals... so they must have done something good back then

[@AlishaCasey-j6m]

God bless these men and women serving our country during these dangerous times!

[@garylaurendeau628]

I spent 10 years in the Army as a cook back in the 80s during Reaganomics.... I believe a lot of the meats are already precooked packaged in vac packs.... I remember us getting some at our mess hall in Fort Lewis Washington.. it was labeled US Navy.... I have nothing but respect for those cooks who work on those ships... God bless you

[@CCrK611]

Spent 6 years in the Canadian army and I’ll always be grateful for the work the cookies put in for me and mine, worked longer hours than us just so we had a hot meal.

[@winterxx1555]

I joined the Air Force so I didn’t have to spend months on a ship. I was going to join until I talked to an Air Force recruiter. I’ve been overseas in various countries for the last 6 years. Thankfully I didn’t need to be in a ship for that. But it is impressive how the logistics and food prep works on those ships

[@robertreynolds5785]

I was an Artillery man that lived in the field overseas. The food was absolutely great. Fresh homemade biscuits - real eggs and real milk. Of course I was in the Big Red One and we were fed well because we were the most combat ready unit anywhere on Earth.

[@FirstPlace100]

Forward the Big Red One!

[@TyroneBiggums26]

More ready than the 3rd or 82nd?

[@markratliff995]

To anyone reading through this that has served in our armed forces...Thank you for your service! I will never take my freedom for granted.

[@stormy439]

Thankyou! It was my honor to serve!👍😃🇺🇸

[@blueduck9409]

Youre welcome bud.

[@seanwiley558]

Even as a Navy Seabee, who never served on a boat, when surf and turf was served, we new something was up!

[@purplepidgin]

We use to get a BBQ and it wasn’t the 4th of july😂😢

[@navymedia]

Haha 😂

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

Most likely Dependents day cruise!

[@johnlebzelter4208]

K-N-E-W

[@seanwiley558]

@@johnlebzelter4208 you got the point.... besides, Navy Seabees Build and Fight, Not Read and Write!

[@hotwheelsanddiecastcars1123]

On the Nimitz we also had a smaller galley called the bake shop. They made bread, cakes, geletin and desserts. It was always a pain doing the line because it was like a 3 hour slam feeding 6000 sailors two times a day. The hours for day shift was 8 am to 8 pm under way with no days off.

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

U boats in WW2 "we just have what we have to survive, we are fighting for our lives U.S Carriers " we just eating all the best meals possible, there is no war we don't fight, we just wake up to eat....captain gets lobster we all just get roast"

[@redlock4004]

You said "It was always a pain doing the line..." That's a good one because "pain" is french for bread.

[@MrBulig]

I was on Nimitz 1975-1979. We were fed really good.

[@VS-wq4sy]

I was on the Kitty Hawk CV-63 in the early 90’s, I have no complaints especially when ever we passed through Japan, for a vessel that size…..steak and lobsters ❤

[@mythicMusical]

Gotta go tell em how tf to not burn cookies bro, they're burnt asf and all the good ones get sent to chiefs/officers mess😢

[@DesertMike]

My dad was a cook on an aircraft carrier and later a destroyer during WW2.

[@ZakEmber]

Yeah... that's ONE aircraft carrier! I'm floored just by these numbers, let alone what it must take to feed an army, a fleet, or a base! Man alive, I am so impressed by these men and women! Thank god we have such hard-working, dedicated people in our armed forces who keep the big wheel turning!

[@callmeoutlaw6601]

I served on an Aircraft Carrier as a cook. Started in the enlisted kitchen and was promoted to Captains Cook. All I can say is that it was an incredible ride. Oh a note, if you get stationed on any ship in the USN the first thing you need to do is make friends with a cook, a medic and someone in the post office. Somebody in admin can be a plus too.

[@mikedidricksen8269]

my heart goes out to these chefs cooking for so many in a kitchen you know if tight to maximize space truly amazing and honorable

[@kitsune303]

Never been on a carrier but SSBN-731 had an amazing galley and crew. Subs are smaller so it was important to be efficient and safe in a confined space. Surf and turf once a week and an awesome pizza night. Good times.

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

U-boats in WW2 "we just have what we have to survive, quarter of a can of baked beans, a few leaves of sauerkraut, we are fighting for our lives out there!" U.S Carriers " we just eating all the best meals possible, there is no war we participate in and we don't fight, we just wake up to eat....captain gets lobster the lucky b*rstard, the rest of us get roast turkey, lamb, beef, pork and chicken dinners....dessert after"

[@ron3308]

Fellow (former) SSBN-731 crew member here! 👋

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

@@ron3308 hip hip hooray, what did you do besides eat?

[@WGM190065]

@@mentalasylumescapee6389 various administrative… things

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

@@WGM190065 like what, look at the clock and wait until the next meal?

[@marcgardner9865]

I was in the Air Force but, I ate at many Naval DFACs and I must say, the Navy has excellent food, staff, and chefs.

[@speedracer2336]

Best food in the military, I had powdered eggs until I ate in a Navy chow hall!

[@monkeyporche225]

Shit yeah, we had Subway, Taco Bell, and McDonald's on base and our housing weren't traditional barracks, they were basically 2 bedroom efficency apartments w/kitchen bit I still when to the mess for basically every meal because the food was always amazing. Also biscuits and gravy and Belgian waffles were always on the breakfast menu.

[@blueduck9409]

I came to think the army had the best hot breakfast. It was always the same no matter where in the world i ate it.

[@kaijudude_]

I'm in the Navy and I'm told Airforce has better food.

[@DavidConstantin-d1d]

I hired a former military chef at my banquet center not only for his culinary skills, but he could cook for 300 guests without breaking a sweat.

[@chadjohnson7824]

Beyond grateful for their service every service person has a role to play In the protection of our country

[@FoxWolfWorld]

wtf not they don’t 😂 how did invading Iraq or the Vietnam war protect our country?? Are you more free now? No, you’re not. Stop believing the regime’s propaganda. Nobody could ever invade America, we don’t need entire armies in other countries

[@tobihall8267]

Every element of the process is an absolute machine in action. Fit cold rooms and walk in freezers, the scale needed to store that amount of food is astounding, really would like to see it in person one day

[@NazriB]

Lies again? AMWF CHINESE

[@tobihall8267]

@@NazriB I'm not going to lie I don't even understand what you're trying to say here. Please elaborate?

[@garymountcastle6657]

@@NazriB Random weirdness.

[@roetemeteor]

9 years experience marine electrician working to build navy ships, specifically DDG's, LPD's, LHA's, and NSC's (although that's coast guard.) The rooms are MASSIVE for food storage, and the refrigeration freezers are massive as well. On the NSC's, they also double as the morgue/body storage. The size of the machines are dwarfing, and I got to personally hook them up. My favorite was the ice cream machines.

[@simongee8928]

I love the way that in the American military, cooks have been 'upgraded' to 'culinary specialists' - ! 😁

[@simongee8928]

It's interesting that they felt a need to 're-brand' what is probably one of the most important roles in any military organization, but also one that is very much taken for granted. 😐

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

@@simongee8928 "An army marches on its stomach" - Napoleon Bonaparte

[@musicman7297]

A .. Sweeper Engineer.....

[@USGrant-rr2by]

@@ROBERTN-ut2il "Josephine.....can I see your eclars' again?"- Napolean Bonaparte

[@cheftomsd]

I think the training is now much better and the quality of the ingredients and variety is much better. Back in the day dry store rooms were huge and freezers fairly small. That pretty much dictated what was served. Today freezers are much bigger to utilize all the high quality frozen foods available, allowing the galley to save labor and serve a wider variety of items. When I was a Navy cook on a DDG during Vietnam we were called Commissaryman. When I served in the reserves I was a Mess Specialist. Now they are Culinary Specialists.

[@rossbabcock3790]

I was part of a Marine squadron detached to the USS Kennedy. Chow aboard was excellent! What the cooks did with 'cafeteria' food was amazing! We had steak once a week and a 'Steel Beach' twice a month. When 3 bean salad came out, we were about a week before Unrep. That's an operation to watch! I have no complaints from this Marine! It

[@theguyfromwalgreens]

The amount of food and efforts to load & prepare for never ceases to amaze me. This is th we first video I've seen them loading the food on the carrier by sea. This is awesome.

[@Cha-y412]

A good friend of mine joined the US Navy and he wanted to be a Culinary specialist. and related this story. Upon graduation from his MOS school he was given a choice in writing of which type of ship he wished to serve on, he picked Aircraft carrier and submitted his request to the schools CPO. The CPO called him into his office and promptly ripped up the written form and told him to re-submit the request . The CPO said I like you and am doing you a big favor, you will request Culinary Specialist on a Destroyer. The Aircraft Carrier has 6000 Souls to serve daily, the Destroyer only 300. Those people on the Carriers work is never done, on the Destroyers when your done working you get down time. My friend served on the USS Laboone in the early 2000s and loved it.

[@dominadoramor7767]

Good video! Toured the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) when stationed in Everett, WA, and was amazed how a population of a small city fits in a floating arsenal, requiring some serious efficiency. The video makes the galley look bigger than reality.

[@xkil0wattx752]

0:01 missing an extra 0 there bud

[@E-N-A-R-D-L-A-V]

Cooks are unsung heros of the Military. They put in more hours then anyone when not in the field. Never got to eat on any Navy ships, but did eat at Kadena AB a few times when me and my fellow MArines decided to make the trip there. Best breakfast in the Military on Kadena. We felt like kings on those mornings.

[@markhurrell23]

I served on a naval base while in the Marines and their food was wayyy better then our basic chow. Also did a little time in a naval prison and the food there was fantastic.

[@Nonebit]

May I ask on why you served time?

[@InnuendoXP]

@@Nonebit not enough crayon options on the dessert menu.

[@stoa7302]

" Also did a little time in a naval prison and the food there was fantastic." LOL, you are someone who knows how to make the best of a situation and enjoy what's on hand, you must never be miserable. lol

[@markhurrell23]

@@Nonebit I guess you can say I was intemperate in my youth 😅 It was a combination of things but mostly just being young and dumb. I went in as a kid who literally never got into trouble but by the time I was discharged they would often joke that a statue would have to be erected in my honor for all the chaos I caused. Nothing horrible just a young kid who felt invincible with a slight problem with authority. Long story short I injured myself during training one day and the knee injury was permanent so I was no longer useful as a soldier. Rather than discharge me like they told me they would, instead they kept me waiting another 6 months. I went from my training and working towards and meritorious promotion to lance corporal to doing nothing month after month just waiting for them to let me go home and start life again as a civilian. I figured since I was getting out and they were dckin me around for no reason I could speed up the process If I made myself a nuisance. Kind of like " lets get this guy outta here".... and it worked. Sped up my process big time and gave me enough stories to write a book someday🤣 In my last 6 months I managed to set a record at 4 NJP's and 1 Court Martial. Now I am a super tame 38 year old with a daughter turning 18 this year.

[@markhurrell23]

@@stoa7302 Why thank you for the compliment, everyone says I smile all the time ( got me killed in boot camp) but I think Im probably as miserable as the next person 😆

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Great video! I love this kind of content. Thanks to all service personnel for doing your jobs well! We are truly thankful for all you do!

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

U boats in WW2 "we just have what we have to survive, we are fighting for our lives U.S Carriers " we just eating all the best meals possible, there is no war we don't fight, we just wake up to eat....captain gets lobster we all just get roast"

[@danielgoudge8465]

Amen 🇺🇸

[@kosh2001]

Freaking amazing. A logistic nightmare down to an exact science. Kudos to each and everyone.

[@saber5585]

Years ago I was aboard the Kennedy CV-67 and the food was excellent. The "mess specialist" did a great job. Even though we "Marines" were at times given a rough way to go the food was always a bonding experience.

[@lindawilliams8715]

Thank you for your service. We will always be grateful for your sacrifices.

[@rubenjaimes1194]

Thank you to all of our brothers and sisters in the armed services. All your hardwork and dedication is appreciated.

[@user-mj9xp3lv1t]

love these kind of videos that give us an insight of the culinary aspect in the military

[@titaiao]

i love this dynamic between roles, everyone is important even if their roles seem insignificant. Imagine someone who washes the bathrooms, replaceable isn't it? but if nobody does it, people will get sick. the point is, everyone is important to the smooth running of everything in life.

[@jeannieab5218]

My Dad was a cook in the Navy during WWII. I still have his Navy cookbook.

[@iamdr.electronmagnetron519]

Wow!!! Lot's of food. I wish someday I can aboard that ship. Greetings from the Philippines. 🇵🇭 🇵🇭 🇵🇭 Mabuhay soldier's.

[@computernerdtechman]

Former USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) sailor here. The video was really accurate, ACCEPT for part about fancy wine glasses and dinners 4:26 . Maybe the Admiral or Captain might get something like that, but not the crew. Enjoyed several "Steel Beach Picnics".

[@sawyeratkinson]

Except

[@computernerdtechman]

@@sawyeratkinson Oops.😲

[@sawyeratkinson]

@Computer Nerd figured ud wanna know since it was emphasized. Idc personally tho. Have a good one

[@mikeschiesel2852]

I really could see the pride that the Culinary Specialists took in their work and how satisfied everyone was in enjoying the fruits of their work. Thanks for this and thanks to all who serve!

[@mjwander1]

This is a video believe me I was a Navy cook for 6 years It's a shitty job. I never took pride in my work because i hated it.

[@MetalDragon_CSY]

I just gotta say, in my entire career so far in the Army, the best food I've had came from navy galleys and navy cooks. Always top tier.

[@livelikemateo6951]

I couldn’t imagine being a captain or any officer expecting a higher quality or quantity of food. The US military serves great food. One for one and one for all.

[@MF.Animal.Mother]

Amazing! Those meals look like they’re fit for a cruise ship. Well deserved for the sailors dedication.

[@Mixwell1983]

Even working in a regular restaurant kitchen I dont think many people realize how much goes into it.. I worked as a prep cook for a little while and then moved to line cook at the sautee station and it's organized chaos.. i didnt hack it there long before deciding the food industry wasnt for me despite having gone to culinary school. This level is insane but im sure having 100 staff members there helps a lot. I just do my cooking at home now for family.

[@charlesburke2379]

Military chow halls are mass production operations that is some of the toughest duty in the world! I did 10 [20 hour} days on pots and pans and I'll never forget it as long as I live! It was so fast and so difficult it made digging ditches seem like a good night's sleep.

[@jb_19]

7:46 At no time is a Sailor hungry? Please! On my carrier, I was hungry nearly every day waiting in the chow line that wrapped around all the way to and through the hangar bays. It took hours to get food. Most of the time we weren't allowed 2-hour lunch breaks. Flight deck guys had it the worst, and never had time to get chow in those lines. Vending machines were the only way to get chow at times, out of your own pocket too. A more accurate statement would be that first-class petty officers, chiefs, and officers never go hungry.

[@Geeksmithing]

Exactly right!

[@jb_19]

@@youareasheep1167 Never got a tattoo.

[@blockmasterscott]

That was the same for me being a jeep driver for officers in the Corps. I had to stay with the jeep so my meals were chips and candy bars I bought at the PX.

[@jg4902]

I stayed on the USS Lexington for three days when I was younger, we did not sail anywhere but it was great fun.

[@francisburke2060]

I served aboard a gearing class destroyer '71 to '73 and our food was excellent, however, your food service volumes are way beyond anything I have ever seen. Have a good safe cruise, God Bless!

[@takashitamagawa5881]

It is very impressive how the food staffs of these massive ships and the Navy handle the task of feeding the crew of thousands day after day. Hats off to all the hard work. I'm curious as to some further details of the operation such as 1) how leftovers are dealt with, 2) how is garbage disposed of (it can be minimized but there will always be some) and 3) what is done with all of the packaging waste. Everybody knows what a pain food packaging waste is and how much it contributes to the stream into landfills.

[@georgematthewcollins]

Food and metal waste are tossed overboard, paper-esque trash is incinerated (or tossed overboard depending on a few different things), plastics are shredded/melted into large 'pucks' and disposed of in port.

[@takashitamagawa5881]

@@georgematthewcollins Thanks. All well and fine but I wonder what contingency plans the ships would have for a combat situation where they don't want to leave a trash trail...

[@sdiz3509]

Taking the garbage every night is tough I give them props for this

[@jordansamson6071]

I found this oddly entertaining and interesting. The stuff you don’t think about happening but it’s just important as most jobs on the ship.

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

U boats in WW2 "we just have what we have to survive, we are fighting for our lives U.S Carriers " we just eating all the best meals possible, there is no war we don't fight, we just wake up to eat....captain gets lobster we all just get roast"

[@toddadams57]

USS Coral Sea, CV43 1980 GONZO station, Indian Ocean. Tip of the hat to all of the culinary specialists (mess cooks in my day). 12 on and 12 off and the meals were always there; plentiful and fulfilling. Occasional steak and lobster was always a treat. While the food selection at midrats was limited compared to regular meals, they sure were welcome during late night watches. MRE's, hell no.

[@WConn100]

You mention 12 on and 12 off and I assume that's hours but does anyone on a carrier ever get a day or two off of duty? I was USAF, combat aircrew in Vietnam and seriously, I flew ever 3rd day at most meaning I would fly a mission and have at least 48 hours before I flew again. Thank you for your answer.

[@toddadams57]

​@@WConn100 Yes, those were hours and at sea, there were no days off. 12 on-12 off didn't necessarily mean consecutive hours. Of course it depends on one's job (I was a radioman) and whether the job required 24 hour monitoring. In my case we had 4 sections that stood watch for a varying amount of time so that everyone had their turn at standing midwatch. If you did this for a long period of time (Coral Sea was underway and in or around GONZO station for 102 days), it became fuzzy whether it was am or pm because it was always dark in the berthing compartment. I recall a handful of times of not seeing daylight for a number of days since the only real place for that is through the elevators from the hangar deck.

[@jimrotharmel]

1982 to 1986 Uss Saratoga CV - 60 .Back them we were called Mess Specialist.feeding an aircraft carrier was a lot of work but the navy was one of the best times of my life.

[@deborahleroy5323]

It is a lot of work but cooking in bulk is a bit easier but preparing as much ahead helps. I would imagine these people get little time off but it is satisfying knowing your doing your part to keep others going.

[@Retired88M]

I was regular Army and was assigned to my station of choice in Feb 75 and our mess hall was a consolidation of 3 different Forscom permanent party units attached to the base and if anything Breakfast was always the best meal of the day. . If you had the time and the lines weren’t to slow you could always try for seconds. The S O S was on my tray everyday unless wr had sausage gravy over biscuits then this was there. And also the coffee was always fresh and strong . I loved it

[@blueduck9409]

I loved having hot breakfast with the army. The biscuits and gravy was always my fav. SOS was a close second. There was always grits too. I never saw hot grits in any other branch mess hall.

[@davidleavitt835]

Thank God for all our men and women in the armed forces. May God be with you all and protect you all.

[@kennymcdonald9971]

Oh nasty as a veteran you are a damn joke god and Jesus don’t protect you

[@craig4867]

World War II and Korean War sailors weren't fed like this and they were tough and gritty and drank their coffee black!

[@federiconalos8202]

Just to clarify that there are different messes aboard an aircraft carrier. The commissioned officers' mess are private messes. Commissioned officers have to join the mess when they come aboard by buying a mess share and are charged a monthly fee. The private messes are as follows: the Flag Mess (admiral and staff only), the Captain's Mess (commanding officer only), and the Wardroom Mess (commissioned officers and some Tech Reps only). The CPO Mess (chief petty officers: [chiefs, senior chiefs, master chiefs]) is also a private mess but no monthly fees. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) pay for their meal. Then there's the General Mess for enlisted personnel to use. Also, BAS pays for their meals. Every general mess uses the standard Navy recipe cards to prepare each food item while the private messes write their monthly menus. I've served both on the readiness and services side of the supply department aboard a forward deployed aircraft carrier. I am also a Mustang. Started as a sculleryman steward, first job aboard USS FORRESTAL and S-5 Division Officer (most challenging Division because you own most of the heads) and S-8 Material Control Officer with Naval Aviation Supply Officer (NASO) wings. Also, wear the Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) wings.

[@davealmighty9638]

Ex-navy here. Yes ........the food was awesome. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar. We ate like kings when I was in. Got out 25 years ago. Still miss the food.

[@Skottic]

.... 25 years ago maybe. the last 15? no.

[@davealmighty9638]

@@Skottic I doubt you eat a more consistent good diet as what you had in the navy.

[@robertspencer703]

Are military Chow hall chiefs civilian employees at military training bases

[@Danno419]

Prior Navy here. Yes the food was good...but.....not after 3 weeks at sea. deployed on the the Stennis and the Reagan. Milk that was good for 6 months. Frozen fish that had the box fail and dumped on the deck then picked back up and served. The best food i had was when I was cranking in the officers mess and the chiefs mess. Chicken...chicken....chicken. Rice and chicken for breakfast. Midrats was discussing because it was leftovers from dinner that was terrible.

[@Geeksmithing]

@@Danno419 Yeah, it's amazing the nostalgia goggles some folks have for this stuff. There was a reason the shots stocked so many different hot sauces and condiments, anything they could do to make the food taste better. Chicken and rice is absolutely correct!

[@billlaird7332]

Years ago I was privileged to be a participant in the Navy's DIV program (Distinguished Visitor) and spent two days on board the USS Eisenhower at sea in the Caribbean observing newly minted Navy pilots performing their initial carrier quals. Our group was flown out to the "Ike" from Naval Air Station Key West. While on board the flat top, as part of the DIV program, we rotated through the enlisted mess, the Chief's Mess, and the Officers Wardroom for meals. All of the food was really great. However, the Chief's Mess was a cut above. Food, service, presentation, decor, and atmosphere were A+++. It reminded me of eating in an upscale New York City steakhouse. I have eaten in many, many Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard mess facilities ranging from small, isolated outposts (think MRE's in the field) to major command headquarters, including the Pentagon. I'm an Air Force veteran, worked as a DOD civilian at multiple Army and Navy facilities worldwide, and spent 15 years as a volunteer pilot for the Coast Guard in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Hands down, Navy chow is the best, head and shoulders above the rest. It may have something to do with the maritime tradition of excellent food while at sea to bolster morale while away from home for extended periods of time. I say this because I worked for a major oil company, and they owned and operated several very large crude carrier tankers in international trade. I was an IT guy and frequently sent to the ships while in port to do "IT stuff." I always planned my visits to the ships to include one or more mealtimes because the Merchant Marine eats just as well as the Navy. I have been told that this tradition extends to include offshore oil platforms.

[@edjarrett3164]

I don’t know. As an AF guy, some of the best food I got was in the field with our Army brethren. Their field kitchens and their cooks are simply amazing. I’ll never forget my small time with army brothers. They were the best.

[@Whiteplane]

They feed us well on the boats because we would quickly go crazy if the food was bad.

[@krombopulosmichael8314]

@@edjarrett3164 Same. I was AF too, and the best chow hall I've been to was an Army base in Iraq.

[@BrentMalice]

WV senator laird?

[@americaisacontinent.]

I am not a Yankee or live in the U.S, but I thank the troops for keeping this continent safe. Greetings from Canada..

[@barbara1407]

Just amazed at the ability to supply and provide this food.

[@univac7677]

Thank you guys for the hard work!!

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

U boats in WW2 "we just have what we have to survive, we are fighting for our lives U.S Carriers " we just eating all the best meals possible, there is no war we don't fight, we just wake up to eat....captain gets lobster we all just get roast"

[@seemorebutts3428]

Wow! Very nice video. These amazing ships and America is so insanely cool. You can't imagine what goes into Keeping out country safe. The engineering to build these crafts as well as our nuclear submarines are in unbelievable. It's the last chance to keep freedom alive.

[@driverjeff1498]

These guys are essential part of operations if not more so. Thank you.

[@darylwalls2280]

Only about half of these videos are of an actual aircraft carrier, others are of shore based galleys from other branches of the military. Nevertheless, over my 29 years in the Navy, serving aboard 7 different ships, I was Always very grateful for all the men and women that prepared and served our meals. To all of you, Thank You for your service and I salute you.

[@Ferguson-qz7do]

one advantage of working in the kitchen (I guess) is that you always have the best food things for you and your crew (I ate like a king in my junior days of restaurant work and I was at the bottom of the hierarchy)

[@kellywilliamson2187]

I was on the CORAL SEA, the NIMITZ (twice) and the JFK. You could always smell what they were cooking on the mess decks and it always smelled so good. I never missed a meal - breakfast was especially good.

[@davidmanley9437]

I guess I never thought about it. I was on the USS America in 1980 and always had good food The best I ever had was at NAS MERIDIAN MISSISSIPPI It was a training facility at that time for the cooks A LONG OVERDUE THANK YOU MESS COOKS FOR THE JOBS YOU DO.

[@sadiekincaid5310]

Actually the Nimitz class aircraft carriers have closer to 6,000 people on it each deployment and the newer Ford class have about 5,000 people on it on it each deployment. The battle group Admiral, the Commanding Officer (first in charge), and the Executive Officer (second in charge) all have different Cooks and all eat different food for safety reasons. The three officers that I named can not go in to the officers mess without permission first.

[@thecommonsenseconservative5576]

The CO can't go into other officers mess... never ever heard that and I was ike for 5 years

[@JimS870]

Why can't they go into officers mess without permission, and why is it unsafe for them to have the same cook?

[@dukeford8893]

I always thought that the Exec ran the mess, but maybe not.

[@dannydm2133]

Sign up and leave the "hood" people! It might not be much but its a start, can't have a great ending without a start. Stay Strong.

[@mremptytheeclip9420]

Well said.

[@stevensteptoe682]

I don't know why I watched this. I remember seeing that film with Steven Segal, and that taught me everything I needed to know about Navy chefs on board ships. They're crazed and ruthless killers when they need to be.

[@SpclOps20]

Under Siege (1992). Definitely one of my favorites. 😎👍

[@jlp7184]

I remember my air force dorm days when chow hall food was just "cooked to the right temp"..devoid of seasoning and little flavor. When we had base exercises, we were fed K and C rations. After higher ranks "set me straight" about the food; i appreciated the chow hall from then on. It was free and served hot. Something a lot of Americans can't get

[@ImpreccablePony]

Stop calling them heroes. A hero is a person who did something outstanding. They are just military servicemen.

[@eamonnquigley2125]

its a hard call that one i would call a hero maybe somebody who jumps into a flooded river to save a childs life that to me is a real hero but in there way these servicemen and women are doing a good job

[@WojciechWachniewski-st1zm]

And still, and nevertheless, THEY ARE HEROES, as are all womens and men of the Navy. Each one Navy, yours and ours. Now walutę. ♍🇵🇱🇺🇲👍

[@HydroSnips]

I know “armies march on their stomach” and that galley crew are some of the most important people onboard ship, but would you not feel a little peeved at deciding to serve, joining up, going through training, proudly passing out as a sailor and finally, FINALLY being posted to a freakin’ supercarrier only to then be given the role of Food Service Attendant? It must, like, be a bit “oh fml” for a moment surely?

[@andrerodriguez8473]

Lmaooooo cranking! Such good times

[@matasa7463]

They actually enjoy a pretty decent job prospects after leaving the navy, as they have a ton of food prep training, and can easily find work at commercial kitchens.

[@markbrown9558]

Is there somewhere in the U.S. where you can tour an active-duty carrier? I'd love to see something like this up close.

[@mikerawls9619]

Become a celebrity.

[@markbrown9558]

@@mikerawls9619 Still working on that.

[@J-1410]

There are certain types of "cruises" where family is allowed on board from what I recall.

[@thecommonsenseconservative5576]

Don't bother

[@stevenphilpott1493]

@@J-1410 l

[@daveperala4723]

"Culinary Staff Specialist" huh? Tell that to the schmuck doin 90 days 'mess crankin'. Mid Rats was without a doubt the best meal on board. Get an omelet and an open faced turkey sammich with fries, yeah buddy. In Aug of 79 I was with a helo squadron in the Med. We were doing a VertRep one fine afternoon and had an 'incident'. We were delivering a pallet of fresh eggs when the cable snapped. Ever see a thousand pounds of eggs hit a flight deck from 60 feet up? Sometimes I can still see their faces and hear their comments. To say we were a little 'reluctant' to land is an understatement.

[@navymedia]

Haha that is awful 😂

[@Kevin-go2dw]

Crunchy scrambled eggs for the week.