Recently, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Global Logistics Support Command (GLS), Commander Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) and NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Jacksonville developed and tested food service initiatives to improve products for Sailors and skills of culinary specialists.

Capt. Steven Fuselier, NAVSUP GLS director of Navy Food Service, visited the Tri-Base area Dec. 7 and 8 and met with CNRSE Galley Program director, Navy Food Management Team Mayport, local food service officers (FSOs) and leading chief petty officers to review preliminary results of food service initiatives implemented at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) Kings Bay and Naval Station (NS) Mayport galleys.

NAS Jacksonville implemented a Grab-N-Go program to afford Sailors a time-saving, easy option to get a healthy breakfast without coming to the galley. Meals are delivered daily to a centralized location at the bachelor enlisted quarters where Sailors can pick up their meals, return to their rooms or report to work. "The Grab-N-Go program is very convenient for Sailors and we reach an additional 150 customers each morning that normally would skip breakfast due to a lack of time," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Charles Jakes, FSO at NAS Jacksonville Galley.

At SUBASE Kings Bay, chief culinary specialist Matthew Lewis initiated a Cook-to-Order program for weekend customers. Customers order from a menu, the order is prepared and delivered to the patron, the same as any local restaurant. "I love it, the food is piping hot and made on the spot. Overall, it's a more enjoyable meal. Since the galley has started this type of cooking, I look forward to eating here on the weekends," says Machinist Mate Fireman Sean Henderson.

A primary focus of these initiatives is to heighten the dining experience, especially for rations-in-kind Sailors who eat at the galley and do not receive an allowance for subsistence.

There were additional benefits observed during implementation of the Cook-to-Order initiative. At NS Mayport, the galley team realized a near doubling of patronage during weekend meals, while food costs plummeted by 40 percent as culinary specialists generated less waste. Skills of those preparing the meals also improved. "The culinary specialists are excited for this change and definitely feel like we are pushing the envelope of Navy Food Service. They are enjoying the opportunity to feel what it is like to work in a civilian restaurant," said Lewis.

"We want to make sure customers are getting the highest quality product and experience, while maintaining a cadre of well-trained culinary specialists. I believe we are well on our way to making this happen here in Southeast Region," said Fuselier.

Galleys across the Navy are testing innovative new processes and successful initiatives are expected to be implemented Navy-wide.

NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville delivers world-class, innovative and unified operational logistics products and services for the Southeast Region and the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet stakeholders ensuring mission integrity and operational readiness for the warfighter.

NAVSUP (FLC) Jacksonville, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS is comprised of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For news and information about NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville, visit www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/navsupflcj or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/navsupflcj

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/