A Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Navy Food Management Team (NFMT) instructor traveled to Naples, Italy to train Sailors there to use a variety of advanced culinary skills, Sept. 12-20.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Naomi Alba, joined Chief Culinary Specialist Michael Edwards of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Jerome Feliciano of the Commander, Sixth Fleet Flag Mess in preparing five Navy culinary specialists (CSs) to compete in an event scheduled for later this year.

"One of our training goals was to prepare the CSs to compete in a British military culinary competition called Exercise Joint Caterer," said Alba. "We practiced the dishes they will be using for the competition. We helped them with their knife cuts, made stocks, and showed them different ways to prepare chicken, rabbit and lobster."

Exercise Joint Caterer takes place at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham in the United Kingdom, Oct. 13-15.

The primary aim of the exercise is to provide chefs, caterers and stewards of the British Armed Forces with a competition, which further develops their culinary skills. It also nurtures pride in professional achievement and builds team spirit, imagination, innovation and adaptability in order to excel on operations. Non-UK military members are also allowed to compete.

Alba, Edwards and Feliciano are no strangers to international competition. Last year, they were part of a U.S. team that won two gold medals, six silver medals, and four bronze medals in the London Culinary Arts Salon at the Hotel Olympia.

The training wasn't all focused on preparing for competition. "The training is a supplemental advanced culinary training program for Sailors that may not have opportunities to attend training in the U.S. while stationed overseas," said Edwards. "The training is motivation; basically we share our knowledge and passion for the culinary arts. This creates momentum and healthy competitiveness that fosters competent chefs capable of working in any kitchen."

In addition to preparing the Sailors for the competition, Alba provided training in sanitation and other areas to help them prepare for certification by the American Culinary Federation. She also helped them to prepare for further study at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where they can earn ProChef level 1 certification.

"Petty Officer Alba is a technical expert of food service administration, a talented teacher, and an experienced culinary competitor, said Edwards. "She helped keep the training organized and effective, and shared her competition knowledge with the participants."

"The most rewarding thing for me is to be able to teach Sailors advanced culinary skills and creative ideas that I've learned from Chief Edwards," said Alba. "We have known each other for more than 10 years and share a passion for teaching. Having the opportunity to teach other culinary specialists new skills and help them develop confidence in their abilities is a win-win for everyone involved, including their shipmates who will enjoy new dishes they've learned to prepare."

NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, 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 with 37 separate locations in three Navy regions. Connect with NAVSUP FLC Norfolk at https://www.facebook.com/NAVSUP-Fleet-Logistics-Center-Norfolk-1434046346807412/timeline/.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 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.

Visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news for more NAVSUP GLS news.

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A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., NAVSUP GLS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.