Culinary specialist (United States Navy)

Rating Badge CS

Culinary Specialist
Service branch	United States Navy
Abbreviation	CS
Rank group	Enlisted
Rank	Petty Officer

A Culinary Specialist (CS) is an enlisted rating in the United States Navy. Culinary Specialists are responsible for the preparation and serving of meals aboard naval vessels, at shore stations, and at various other locations where the Navy operates. They play a crucial role in maintaining the morale and well-being of sailors by ensuring they receive nutritious and well-prepared meals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Culinary Specialists are tasked with a variety of duties, including:

• Preparing and serving meals for sailors and officers.
• Managing and operating dining facilities.
• Ordering, inspecting, and storing food supplies.
• Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards in food preparation and serving areas.
• Planning menus and ensuring dietary requirements are met.
• Training and supervising junior personnel in food service operations.

Training

To become a Culinary Specialist, recruits must complete basic training at Recruit Training Command followed by specialized training at the Navy Food Service School. This training covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Basic cooking techniques
• Food safety and sanitation
• Menu planning
• Inventory management
• Nutrition

Career Progression

Culinary Specialists can advance through the enlisted ranks from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer). Advancement is based on a combination of time in service, performance evaluations, and successful completion of advancement exams. Higher-ranking Culinary Specialists may take on additional responsibilities, such as managing larger dining facilities or serving as the senior enlisted advisor in food service operations.

Importance

The role of a Culinary Specialist is vital to the overall mission of the United States Navy. Proper nutrition and high-quality meals are essential for maintaining the physical and mental health of sailors, which in turn supports operational readiness and effectiveness. Culinary Specialists contribute to the Navy's mission by ensuring that all personnel are well-fed and capable of performing their duties.

See Also

• United States Navy enlisted rate insignia
• United States Navy ratings
• Logistics Specialist (United States Navy)
• Mess Management Specialist