Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) celebrated the grand reopening of the ship's galley with a special meal and cake-cutting ceremony following a six-month closure during the ship's post-shakedown availability (PSA) March 7.

The galley received a much-needed renovation in which they replaced 26 ovens, 10 warmers and installed new accurate temperature grills, coffee machines and ice machines. In addition, the galley was heavily renovated to fix several design flaws critical to running a clean and safe work area.

"Most of the improvements were made to save manpower," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Randall Clift, lead culinary specialist. "The new accurate temperature grills are 55 percent more efficient for cleaning. As we continue to move forward, we will keep doing things that will make the spaces more efficient so we can provide the same service with less manpower."

The six-month project involved coordination with several companies in several different spaces including the main galley, wardroom, and chiefs mess.

"One of the biggest challenges we faced was the timeline in submitting contracts with the combined PSA contract jobs and the habitability contracts," said Chief Warrant Officer (SW/AW) Paul Arboleda, America's food service officer. "As work began, we spent a lot of time making sure the timing was right for each space, so there wasn't a conflict with different contractors trying to fix things at the same time."

America's Supply Department is striving to make the galleys and messing areas a pleasant place for Sailors to enjoy a meal and keep morale high.

"After a long day's work, every Sailor deserves to be able to sit down and have an enjoyable meal," said Arboleda. "Our ultimate goal is to provide a restaurant-type ambiance to enhance the experience, rather than projecting a feeling of eating on board a ship. There is always room for improvement. With the timeline we had, we did very well and we will continue to find ways to improve."

With today's grand opening, the crew is excited that the galley is up and running again for many reasons.

"One reason I'm happy the galley is open again is that it's just more convenient," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Kourtney Powell, assigned to America. "It's also a great way to build camaraderie with the people you work with and shipmates you may not usually see throughout the normal course of the work day."

"Having the galley open is better for everyone, especially junior Sailors," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Nolan Buckner, an America crewmember. "They don't have to worry about packing a lunch and bringing in food because it is readily available."

"Everything is going to be more efficient," said Clift. "People won't have to leave work to get something to eat. It's not only convenient, but it's time saved for every work center on the ship."

In celebration of the galley's reopening, a special meal was prepared for the crew.

"We are providing a special meal today as a way of thanking the crew for their support in helping us get to this point and also to thank everyone for their patients while we were renovating," said Clift. "We're going to serve prime rib, lobster, crab, hot rolls, cookies and cake to name a few items."

Arboleda said he is happy to get back to his primary role as food service officer as America's PSA comes to an end.

"We are back to business, and we are doing everything we can to provide the highest food service standards and the best service available," he said.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/.