Trident Inn Galley Wins Ney Award

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- The Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor Trident Inn Galley received the 2013 Edward F. Ney Memorial Award for outstanding food service, small general mess category, March 25.

The annual award is co-sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) and encourages excellence in Navy Food Service programs with the objective of improving the quality of life for Navy personnel.

"This is the most prestigious award a food service team could ever win in their career, and we can now say we are one of the best military and civilian teams in the Navy," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eric Van Hofwegen, NBK food service officer. "I am very proud of all of them. It is huge a win for each and every one of them."

Along with winning the Ney award for a fifth time, the Trident Inn Galley boasts a 12-year streak of Five-Star Excellence Award.

"We have a great crew," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Richard Jacobs III, leading petty officer, Trident Inn Galley. "We work hard as a team, and it's great that my junior Sailors get the recognition they deserved for all the hard work they put in."

The award is named for Capt. Edward Francis Ney, an enlisted Sailor during World War I who later earned his commission as a supply officer. His work resolving difficulties within the military's food service industry during World War II contributed to a higher standard of rationing in the Navy.

"It really means a lot for us to win this award," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Tasia Penaranda, galley supervisor, Trident Inn Galley. "We were the runner up last year, so we put our hearts out there to win it this year. Our dedication is what really sets us apart"

The Trident Inn Galley serves more than 1,000 meals a day and has a staff of 35 civilians and 35 Culinary Specialists (CS).

Penaranda said her CSs and the civilians work closely together and have a very tight bond, which is why she thinks they continually do well in the awards category.

"When you win [the Ney Award], everyone wins and shares the moment with you, and it gives my team a tremendous sense of accomplishment knowing the Sailors and Marines who we support everyday are getting the best food and customer service possible," said Van Hofwegen. "That means more than anything to us, and it is our part of our command mission."

The Navy's more than 7,300 culinary specialists are deployed around the world and serve an average of 92.5 million wholesome and nutritious meals per year, ensuring the Navy's fighting forces operate at peak performance and are ready to respond to threats worldwide.

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