The Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Navy Food Management Team (NFMT) held a food service officer and leading culinary specialist seminar for shipboard and shore based Sailors on June 21.

According to Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Ben Dunlap, an NFMT instructor, the course is designed to gather food service leaders from afloat and ashore commands, Type Commanders (TYCOMs) and training teams, to provide senior personnel with the knowledge to identify a full range of activities designed to support the leading culinary specialist (LCS) in operations of the general mess. The training highlighted the major duties of the LCS.

"It is important that senior leaders gather for continued education and training which is necessary to stay proficient in the fleet." said Dunlap. "This training setting is a great venue for networking and establishing mentors."

He added that for deployed units, the networking and mentorship connections established here can be "vital life lines" to supplement any advice or guidance.

Having the TYCOMs, training teams and detailers as presenters was the highlight of the seminar, but Dunlap says they provide other important institutional skills; such as manning, readiness, training and certifications.

"This class is great because it gives me the ability to equip senior food service professionals with more resources and to pass on the knowledge that others gave to me throughout my career," Dunlap said.

"If each leader takes at least one thing they have learned here and applies it to their shipboard life and pay it forward, I consider it an overall success," Dunlap explained.

The NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Navy Food Management Team provides a variety of classes throughout the year for ship and shore-based Sailors. Classes include sanitation, food service equipment, baking, cake decorating, and a host of other topics.

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


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