
	Culinary Specialist (Surface)	CS
	Culinary Specialist (CS) operate and manage Navy messes and living quarters established to subsist and accommodate Naval personnel; estimate quantities and kinds of foodstuffs required; assist Supply Officer in ordering and stowage of subsistence items and procurement of equipment and mess gear; check delivery for quantity and assist medical personnel in inspection for quality; prepare menus; plan, prepare, and serve meals; maintain food service spaces and associated equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, including storerooms and refrigerated spaces; maintain records of financial transactions and submit required reports; and maintain, oversee, and manage quarters afloat and ashore.

Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy messes and living quarters established to subsist and accommodate Navy personnel. They prepare menus, manage and account for subsistence inventories, prepare and maintain financial records. It is commonly accepted that the "mess decks," or dining areas aboard ship are the "heart of the ship." The role they play in the morale of the ship is very important. CSs are needed on every ship and shore base in the Navy. Navy Culinary Specialists provide food service catering for admirals and senior government executives and operate the White House Mess for the President of the United States.

What They Do

The duties performed by CSs include:

• preparing menus and ordering the quantities and types of food items necessary to prepare the food;

• operating kitchen and dining facilities;

• maintaining subsistence inventories and financial records;

• serving as personal food service specialists in commanding officer’s and admiral’s messes;

• operating and managing shipboard living quarters and shore based hotel-type quarters.

• serving as a flight attendant aircrewman;

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on food preparation, kitchen operations, sanitation and hotel management.

Qualifications and Interests

Culinary Specialists must be good team workers and enjoy working with people. The ability to do detailed work, follow instructions, and keep accurate records is important. Good arithmetic and verbal skills, creative ability and an interest in nutrition and culinary arts are also helpful.

Working Environment

Culinary Specialists, work in kitchens, dining areas, living quarters and food service storerooms aboard ships and shore bases. The work is both physically and mentally challenging and involves working as part of a team.

Opportunities

Approximately 7,500 men and women work in the CS rating. Placement and advancement opportunities are excellent for qualified applicants.

Navy CS - Culinary Specialist

Culinary Specialist are cooks, bakers, and vegetable preparers assigned to the Food Service division. They are responsible for food production in the vegetable preparation room, the bakery and galleys. CSs are needed on every ship in the Navy and at every shore base. Navy Culinary Specialists provide food services for Admirals and senior government executives, and run the White House mess for the President of the United States.

Navy CS - Leading Culinary Specialist

A Leading Culinary Specialist (LCS) is the senior enlisted member assigned to the Food Service division and is responsible for the proper functioning of the division. The LCS ensures a high level of cleanliness and the proper sanitary preparation of rations in sufficient quantity, while remaining within prescribed monetary food allowances. Ensure required records and forms are prepared, submitted, and maintained.