A USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Sailor will have the opportunity to heat things up and show off his culinary skills during the annual Exercise Joint Caterer competition Oct. 10-12 in Shrivenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK).

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Noah Reed was one of 16 U.S. Navy Sailors chosen to join their UK companions for the three-day event where personnel can develop and demonstrate their professional culinary skills.

"I am really looking forward to learning new techniques as I work with other chefs from around the world," said Reed, who has been in the Navy for 11 years. "This competition has not been around for very long and I never thought I would have this opportunity."

During the event, competitors can be tested individually or in teams, showing off their dexterity in several different categories from serving up single dishes in a set-period to field kitchen, speciality cakes, front-of-house service and the blue-ribbon event - a three course meal for 80 people, known as the Parade de Chefs. The event is also an opportunity to identify and select competitiors to join the elite squad of the Combined Services Culinary Arts Team (CSCAT).

"Through this competition, I want to bring my culinary practices to another level and bring that knowledge back to the junior Sailors on the Truman," said Reed.

Although only a second class, this is not his first cooking competition. Reed's first culinary competition was at The Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training Event in Fort Lee, Va., the largest military culinary competition in North America where he brought home a bronze medal.

Long before Reed was competing in competitions and showing off his culinary skills, he worked as a line cook at Three Rivers Restaurant in Bozeman, Mt. Reed wanted something more for his life and decided to join the Navy.

"I have always enjoyed cooking from a young age and it just came natural to me," said Reed. "I chose to be a culinary specialist in the Navy because it's what I loved and knew I would be successful at."

After graduating boot camp, Reed's first command was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii aboard USS Russell (DDG 59). Reed said during his time aboard Russell he was a "galley rat" and desperately wanted an easier environment to work in. However, Reed's requests were denied and was told having the hardest job would make him a better culinary specialist in the long run.

"The high standards set really molded me to become a determined and hard working CS," said Reed. "I believe positive outcomes always happen to those who succeed at their job, even when it may seem to be the worst place on earth."

Reed had the honor to serve with Fleet Logistics Squadron One (VR-1) at Andrews, Air Force Base in Maryland. During his time with the squadron, he had the opportunity to travel to several locations across the world and cook for former Secretary of the Navy, Ray Maybus; former Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan Greenert; acting Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson, and many other United States and foreign dignitaries from around the World.

No matter the results of this latest competition, Reed is just happy doing what he loves.

"I love taking several unique ingredients and putting them together to create something amazing," said Reed. "I also love the expressions from people when they taste my food. I just love to make people happy."

This will be the first time a Truman Sailor has been selected to compete in the annual Exercise Joint Caterer competition. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Keerat Singh, Truman's Food Service Officer, said he is proud of Reed and hopes he brings back the gold medal.

"He loves what he does in the Navy," said Singh. "I've never seen a Sailor with more passion in what they do and I am confident he will do well in this competition."

Truman is currently underway preparing for future operations. For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit http://www.facebook.com/usstruman.



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