How many pounds of turkey will the US Navy cook this Thanksgiving?
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 23, 2023) – Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Tony Hunter from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s Commodore Matthew C. Perry General Mess, seasons four turkey breasts during the installation’s open galley event Thanksgiving Day November 23, 2023. More than 40 general mess staff members and temporarily assigned personnel from USS Milius (DDG 69) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) started work at 4:30 a.m. this morning to ensure the 25 turkeys, 25 ribeye roasts, 18 hams, 60-pounds of shrimp and hundreds of pounds of produce, baked goods, among other traditional Thanksgiving dishes were ready to serve at the installation’s annual open galley event. (U.S. Navy photo by James Kimber)
SUMMARY
Navy culinary specialists (CSs) are tirelessly preparing traditional holiday favorites for sailors deployed around the world.
Sailor morale is a key component to mission success, but it takes on an increased significance during the holiday season. The food CSs prepare during this time of year creates a sense of familiarity among sailors and has a positive effect on their morale.
“Culinary specialists in our fleets never take a day off and the holidays are no exception,” said Navy Food Service Director Cmdr. Brian Bieber.
This year the Navy predicts CSs in their afloat galleys will prepare 85,195 pounds of roast turkey, 39,380 pounds of mashed potatoes, 23,650 pounds of stuffing, 17,600 pounds of sweet potatoes, 9,680 pounds of green bean casserole, 5,335 pounds of cranberry sauce, 3,960 gallons of gravy, and 8,635 assorted pies for sailors.
Baked ham, corn, and eggnog will also be on the menu.
While Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, sailors remain focused on the Navy’s mission.
All meals offer a variety of food options that collectively meet warfighters’ performance requirements.
The Navy’s more than 8,000 highly trained CSs play a critical role in sailor quality of life. An important part of any deployment, CSs prepare food that sustains warfighters whether they’re deployed ashore or afloat.
NAVSUP is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics and sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil.
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