US Navy Thanksgiving Turkeys and Food Storage Aboard Forward Deploying Ships

The United States Navy, like many military organizations, faces the challenge of maintaining consistent and quality food supplies for its ships, especially during deployments. Storage practices can vary from ship to ship, but an accurate picture of where and how Thanksgiving turkeys and other food items are stored can offer insight into the logistical complexity of operating a fleet spread across the globe.

Unidentified White Chunks and the Mess Officer's Role

For many service members on naval ships, the meals can sometimes lack variety. One veteran recounted his experience aboard a carrier where the dining market was notorious for serving a single item, dubbed the infamous “squarefish”, every Friday for lunch. This unidentified white chunk was a staple of the meal, but sourcing had a backstory that reflected larger issues of logistical planning and administration.

According to the mess officer, the situation arose when the ship was first commissioned, and a great deal was struck on frozen fish. A method was established where each week, mess cooks would venture into the freezer to retrieve a frozen slab of “squarefish”. This process continued until the supply was depleted, at which point the mess officer would break his contract and buy a new type of lunch. This anecdote is an interesting case of how cost-saving measures and shortages can lead to a monotonous meal schedule.

Food Storage Practices on Naval Ships

Given the critical role of food in maintaining the morale and operational readiness of naval personnel, Navy ships are equipped with large freezers specifically for food storage. These freezers are essential for maintaining the freshness of perishable items and for storing supplies that need to be in a frozen state for long periods.

Thanksgiving turkeys, for instance, might be stored in the ship’s large freezer. Unlike on land where local suppliers provide fresh food, naval ships must rely on their on-board storage to ensure food availability during long deployments. Additionally, items can be transferred from underway replenishment ships (also known as "unrep ships") to supply the main ship with fresh provisions, extending the variety of meals available during these deployments.

Squarefish Story and the Impact on Morale

The “squarefish” saga is more than just a story of poor meal quality; it serves as a commentary on the priorities of ship administration. Some supplies, like frozen fish, might be far more economical in the short term but can impact the overall morale of the crew. There is a balance that must be struck between providing decent meals and keeping costs down.

For instance, some ships might store entire turkeys in their large freezers, ready for THANKSGIVING. Other ships, however, might rely on pre-packed meal kits or even fresh fruits and vegetables provided by unrep ships, ensuring a more diverse diet and better morale among the crew.

Conclusion

The storage and distribution of Thanksgiving turkeys and other critical food items on US Navy ships highlight the intricate logistics involved in maintaining a functional and well-fed fleet. Understanding the storage practices of these items can provide insight into the challenges faced by the Navy in ensuring that its personnel have the best possible conditions for their service. Despite the logistical complexities, the Navy continually strives to improve the dining conditions on its ships, recognizing the crucial role that food plays in maintaining readiness and the spirit of its service members.

References

US Navy Dietary Standards and Practices Underway Replenishment Ships and their role in Supplying the Fleet Interviews with Navy Veterans on Meal Quality

Keywords: US Navy, Thanksgiving turkeys, food storage aboard ships