Casey Barnes
Chopped! - USS COLE Culinary Specialist Edition
By FCA3 Barnes
Published in Naval Systems Supply Command Magazine
Norfolk, VA – While on their latest underway, the Culinary Specialists onboard USS Cole hosted a Chopped competition CS style. The competitors had 15 minutes to deliberate on a meal plan once the secret items were revealed. They were given only one hour to create a three course meal utilizing all the secret ingredients they were presented. The mandatory ingredients were as follows: 8 piece chicken, honey, mango, chocolate chips and puff pastry dough. The judges consisted of the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and Command Master Chief. They each voted on the meals in regards to taste, creativity, and plating display. The rest of the crew voted on the people’s choice award which was best plate presentation.
Team One was comprised of the female CS team in CS2 Pettigrew, CSSN Ilumba, and CSSN Houston with CS2 Manalon as their mentor. Team One came together to create a unique and creative dish. CS3 Ford, from Team One, enjoyed the inclusivity, and uniqueness of the Chopped competition. She also appreciated the Triad taking their time out of the day to participate.
Team Two, the males of the division, consisted of CS3 Lesley, CS3 Quow, CSSN Olabisi and CSSN Gutierrez. They also took a solid approach and had CS1 Nelson as their mentor. “The best thing about being their mentor, was seeing the excitement in the guys, and see them have fun”, explained CS1 Nelson. CS3 Lesley, from Team Two, enjoyed the competition, “It made us use our minds, we didn’t know what we were going to get”.
It was head to head the entire competition with Team Two taking home the trophy being named the winner via the panel of judges as well as the people’s choice award. Team One was awarded a twenty-four hour liberty chit and a day to sleep in late. Friendly competitions like this help boost morale and empower the Sailors. It reinforces their confidence in their craft.
Culinary Specialist are very unique to the crew. We work different hours on different days so when we can train and also enjoy it while doing so, we take every opportunity. They get to show off their talents and show pride in being more than just a cook. I think both teams did an amazing job and hope small things like a Chopped competition can expand their vision on what we actually can do as Culinary Specialists. I am very proud of both teams’ accomplishments”, said CSC Rivera
