News
September 27th 2024
RAF Wittering chefs compete in tri-service military catering competition
A team of Regular and Reserve chefs from RAF Wittering, on the Cambridgeshire-Northamptonshire border, competed in Exercise Army Sustainer earlier this year, with all competitors landing awards for their catering skills.
Held at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the annual exercise creates a challenging and competitive environment to demonstrate, develop and test the capability of caterers from across Defence.
Judges are on the lookout for 4 things: quality technical skills, taste, presentation, and menu quality, and they were very impressed with the team from RAF Wittering.
In the team field catering challenge, AS1 Faulkner, of 504 Squadron, Royal Auxilary Air Force, and his team were tasked with setting up a field kitchen to feed 20 personnel in a deployed environment. Using ration packs with minimal fresh rations, the chefs had 150 minutes to plan and prepare a menu on the spot. And they thrived under pressure, winning the gold award.
In the individual classes, AS1 Faulker picked up another award after finishing 2nd in the open skills novelty cake competition.
Warrant Officer Oberhoffer, Officer Commanding, Catering Flight 504 Squadron, said: “The RAF’s Regular and Reserve involvement again exceeded the previous year’s attendance numbers, no mean feat given the tempo of support to current operations.
“From the outset all competitors worked collaboratively and the skills, techniques and teamwork they displayed stood out and saw them hard to beat.
“Competitions are a perfect environment to encapsulate our chefs’ training and professional experience, both individually and within a team. This is where we can put our chefs under pressure by setting clear critical objectives, placing them out of their comfort zone, but providing a safe environment to “Fail. Learn. Win”.
“The RAF Regular and Reserve Team cohesion was outstanding, not only amongst the competitors but also with Cpl Craig Jones, 504 Sqn Chef Instructor providing critical support. Congratulations to all attendees, who applied themselves impeccably and are a testament to the ability of RAF Caterers.”
For more information about joining the RAF Reserves as a Part-Time Volunteer Reserve email WIT-504AUX-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk or visit 504 Squadron’s online brochure.
