Military Teams Battle for Catering Supremacy

6 April 2018

Military Teams Battle for Catering Supremacy

Things will be heating up in the kitchen at the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) Devonport Naval Base next week as New Zealand and American military catering teams showcase their skills in a prestigious catering competition.

The teams will be from Devonport Naval Base, the Linton and Burnham Army camps and a Hawaiian-based US Marine brigade.

In the annual New Zealand Defence Force Roy (NZDF) Smith Catering Competition each of the teams designs, creates and presents a six-course meal for eight diners.

In its 41st year, the competition demonstrates the skills and techniques taught to NZDF chefs and stewards and puts them to the test in a competitive and challenging environment.

Every day, Defence Catering staff prepare more than 13,500 meals for personnel at the nine NZDF bases and camps throughout New Zealand. This number increases when meals on RNZN ships and “field meals” to Army personnel are factored in.

The preparation and service of appealing and nutritious meals to personnel is a critical function and a valued and skilled role within the NZDF.

The Roy Smith Catering Competition is a great opportunity for trainees to put on the plate what they’ve been learning in the classroom.

A team from the Australian Defence Force will be observing the event, with a view to participating next year.

WHAT: Roy Smith Catering Competition (named in memory of Lance Corporal Roy Smith, a chef with Central Company, Wellington Platoon, who was killed in a train accident in 1976)

WHERE: Defence Catering School, Devonport Naval Base

WHEN: Monday and Tuesday, 9-10 April. However, the competition proper starts at noon on Tuesday, 10 April

ACTION REQUIRED: Media interested in attending should contact Suzi Phillips, Senior Communications Adviser (North), Defence Public Affairs, NZDF, Mobile 021 924 128 or email susan.phillips@nzdf.mil.nz by 10am Monday, 9 April.

ENDS

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