Unique Opportunity – USN Adopt a Ship Program

[Limey]

Welcome Michael. Unfortunately, I doubt I'd qualify, what with being British and not living in the US, but I'm sure there are a few people round here who'd be interested. Good luck!

[Michael Harants]

Limey - perhaps, when there is a ship going out your way, we will have you meet up with them!

[Limey]

True. There have been a couple that have docked here for one reason or another, but it's mainly the British ships now.

[cjs]

All good luck with a really great sounding program!! Oh man, to be young and free....and young!

[Lorraine]

While I can offer no assistance, I do wish you all the best. It sounds like a wonderful program that will help many.

[Fred]

Welcome aboard Michael!

Chef Michael Harants, CEC, CCE, (Corporate Chef, US Navy Family Support) and myself have been preparing to launch this program for quite some time and Chef2Chef is proud to be a part of the “Adopt a Ship” program.

In the days and weeks to come, we hope to see posts from US Navy chefs and cooks with photos of the crew, kitchen facilities and some background.

It is our hope that many of you will "Adopt a Ship" and file a report here on your experience.

Fred

[dnelson]

Chef Michael,

Pleasure to finally meet you sir. Fred and Margie have been very excited about this opportunity and have kept Pam and I in "The Loop" as things progressed.

What an exciting opportunity this presents for both the CS's and Landlovers! Unfortunately we are a bit land locked here in Colorado, but I can't wait to hear the stories from those chefs on the coasts of America.

How long are the programs?

Good luck and let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.

Dave

[phifly04]

What a great thing to do!! Im definately in,i will p.m. you on how to contact me
Dave s

[Niftynorm]

Bravo Zulu this sounds like a great idea, I'm no chef but if an old corpsman/PMT can help give me a holler.

[Rouxfy]

I think this is a wonderful idea, sir. Quick question, Chef: Does the program accomodate those people who aren't officially certified? I am one of those who has worked my up thru the brigade, and have not yet been to an accredited school for training. I would love to help, but it would be nice to know the rules and regs.

[DaCook]

May Canadian citizens apply? Any age or physical size
qualifications?

[romany123]

Another Brit. Here, and a sailor to boot, albeit in a sailing craft for pleasure. I can stick my hand up and say that I have made bread in a pressure cooker in the middle of the north sea....guess you have better facilities than we have ( a two burner gimballed stove and oven).
I wish you luck....great Idea. Good to have you aboard.

[pattie]

Best of luck to you, sir.
This sounds like a wonderful program and a great opportunity for all involved.

[Michael Harants]

Chef,
There are many landlocked culinarians participating in the program. One chef instructor from KC brought 7 students to Norfolk, VA to ride a CG class and aircraft carrier. They spent 12 days over Thanksgiving. I am going to drive him to this site to post his activity.

Length of commitment is up to you. We work around your schedule (sked) as much as possible. The difficulty lies in bringing a chefs sked inline with the ships sked. Some chefs have gone for 2 days and some for 7 weeks. A chef from AK is going out at the end of the month for 6 weeks.

How ever long a participant can commit is a benefit for the command and CSs. I have been on many ships and before I start working with the CSs, just seeing a chef improves the food quality!

[Michael Harants]

Certified or not, if you have the ability to share your skills and knowledge, we would love to talk to you about participation.

These CSs receive basic training in food service sanitation and cooking skills, then off to the galley for OJT. Chefs and cooks coming up through the ranks demonstrates to the CSs that there is opportunity for them in the food service industry, you would be an excellent example for the young sailors.

Rules and regs are unique with each command, I can be more specific when you sign up, but generally speaking I need security info including SS# and list of products/tools you would bring with you. Once onboard they will tell you where you are and are not permitted.