Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving meal at sea, Nov. 28.
George Washington’s Supply department provided classic Thanksgiving favorites including turkey, bread dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and an assortment of pies to more than 5,000 Sailors aboard the ship.
“Today’s celebration is really a way to give thanks to the whole George Washington team for having an outstanding performance during the whole cruise,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Jeric Toledo, a food production chief aboard the ship. “It’s a means a lot to the entire food service division to provide a Thanksgiving meal for all the Sailors aboard George Washington.”
Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, joined in on the festivities and served many of the Thanksgiving favorites to Sailors aboard.
“It’s an honor to spend Thanksgiving with the Sailors on George Washington and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5,” said Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. “George Washington has really done an amazing job during its patrol not only helping out the people of the Republic of the Philippines during Operation Damayan, but now participating in Annual Exercise (AnnualEx) 13 with our Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) partners. These Sailors really deserve a taste of home while out to sea.”
Culinary specialists and food service attendants of the supply department worked together and transformed the mess decks into festive atmospheres with fruit decorations and a cake shaped after the George Washington.
“It was our goal to make the mess decks look and feel like something you would experience back home,” said Toledo. “Even though we’re out to sea right now, we can still provide an environment for our Sailors that reminds them of being back in the U.S. with their friends and loved ones.”
More than 500 pounds of turkey, 350 pounds of ham and an assortment of side dishes and desserts were prepared to meet the holiday needs of Sailors.
“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better meal on the ship,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Recruit Vincent Snyder, from Fayateville, N.C. “The food really reminded me of Thanksgiving back home and I’m happy I was able to enjoy a good meal with my friends.”
George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
[mappress] Press Release, November 29, 2013; Image: US Navy