Currently underway participating in a Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) is conducting qualifications in preparation for its upcoming deployment.

Along with the many moving parts involved in making Oak Hill deployment ready, the Sailors assigned to supply department's S-2 division work tirelessly to maintain a high standard of dining for the embarked crew. The division pushes to raise that bar of excellence even higher when a holiday such as Thanksgiving arrives while underway.

"The main difference between a holiday meal and any other meal is that everyone will be involved, E-1 to E-8," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jack Waterman. "Whereas normally we have cooks on watch, standing daily duty, record keeping and managing stores, Thanksgiving dinner will be an all-hands evolution."

S-2 division will prepare 325 pounds of turkey, 160 pounds of ham, 200 pounds of potatoes and a long lists of desserts to include five different flavors of pie, seven sheet cakes and an ice cream sundae bar.

"We are trying to make up for not being home; it's a meal that you know has to be perfect," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Webb. "No one individual can make this happen; the whole galley plays a role. It takes a lot of teamwork to turn the mess decks into something special."

Not only does the evolution involve the usual hands in the kitchen, all hands from supply department are involved, from the logistic specialists to the ship's servicemen.

"We want it to be a special day; everyone will be there," said Waterman. "That's the unique part. People that wouldn't normally be cooking come together and get involved to bring to life the tradition of Thanksgiving."

Service members make many sacrifices throughout their careers, and missing holidays is just one of them. The Oak Hill team wants to bring as much of the tradition as they can to the holidays spent at sea, away from families.

"The Navy has people from all backgrounds and that is what Thanksgiving is about," said Waterman. "The Navy brings us together and we can be thankful for what we have, regardless of where we come from. We don't always get along, like most families, but on a holiday like Thanksgiving we come together to try to make it memorable for everyone."

The Sailors and Marines embarked with Oak Hill can expect a taste of home on Thanksgiving, thanks to the contributions of S-2 and their dedication to their jobs and providing what they feel is the best meal on the waterfront.

Oak Hill is participating in Combined COMPTUEX with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

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