Having fun and learning new things may not be what comes to mind when thinking about a cook's job aboard a U.S. Navy ship. The mess decks of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), however, are proving to be an enjoyable work environment for a few Sailors and Marines. The ship's galley is one of the now fully integrated departments on board where Sailors and Marines work side-by-side preparing meals for the nearly 2,000-member crew. The galley opens around 4:30 a.m. and is open to feed crewmembers at various times throughout the day, finally closing up shop around midnight. Pfc. Cameron Sheehan, one of the Marines currently working as a food service attendant (FSA), said he embraces the opportunity to work in a more diverse environment. "I think it's unique to see first-hand how another branch of the military operates," said Sheehan. "You learn how the others operate and you really appreciate how other branches specialize in what they do." Similarly, Seaman Stephanie Sykora said she is benefitting from being around another branch of service. Sykora, originally from Bataan's air department, is temporarily assigned to the ship's galley to assist with feeding the increased number of crewmembers. "It's really cool," said Sykora. "I'm actually learning things about how the Marine Corps works that I didn't know about before." In addition to learning to work cohesively as a team, both agreed that working in an integrated environment lifted their spirits. "The Marines are much different to work with," said Sykora. "They are a lot of help, though, and it makes the work place a lot more fun." Sheehan said working with the Navy makes fast-paced environments such as the galley more tolerable. "Marines specifically have an alpha-dog mindset," said Sheehan. "Sailors are easy to work with, and I wish we could do it more often. Training with another branch is really invaluable." The ship is underway with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participating in ARG/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARG/MEUEX).

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