Culinary Specialist

Overview

CSs operate and manage Navy messes and living quarters to provide meals and accommodations for Navy personnel. They prepare menus, manage food inventories, maintain financial records, and ensure high‑quality dining experiences. Often considered the "heart of the ship," CSs play a vital role in maintaining morale.

• Prepare menus and order food items in appropriate quantities.
• Operate and manage kitchen and dining facilities.
• Maintain subsistence inventories and financial records.
• Serve as personal food service specialists in commanding officer and admiral messes.
• Manage shipboard living quarters and shore‑based hotel‑type accommodations.
• Serve as flight‑attendant air crewmen when required.

CSs work in kitchens, dining areas, living quarters, and food storerooms aboard ships and at shore bases. The work is physically and mentally demanding and requires teamwork, precision, and attention to detail.

Over a 20‑year career, CSs typically spend 60% of their time assigned to fleet units and 40% at shore stations. Work locations include shipboard galleys, mess decks, and shore‑based facilities, often in fast‑paced and detail‑oriented settings.

After Recruit Training, CSs attend a seven‑week “A” School at Fort Lee, VA, where they learn food preparation, nutrition, and dining service. Qualified personnel have strong placement and advancement opportunities, with additional technical and operational training available throughout their careers.

College credits through the American Council on Education Degree programs and certificates through the United States Naval Community College (USNCC), including Naval Studies Certificates contributing toward an associate degree. Voluntary education programs include the Navy College Program, Tuition Assistance, and Post‑9/11 GI Bill.

• Ability to work well in a team and enjoy working with people.
• Strong arithmetic and verbal skills.
• Creative ability and interest in nutrition and culinary arts.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Commitment to military service with a commissioned Navy contract.

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan

Culinary Specialist
• Sparks, NV, United States