USS Gonzalez mess setting the standard

After more than six years of commissioned service, the mess deck on board USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) awakened from hibernation to a blur of activity. The sounds of hammers, drills and saws filled the air during several months of renovation. When the noise died down, crew members stood in awe of a mess deck completely transformed. The cold sterile atmosphere was a thing of the past. Now, a panorama of color emerged creating the most impressive crew's dining facility ever seen on board a naval ship.

Distinct themes, tastefully blended, provide Sailors the opportunity to enjoy several different atmospheres on the same mess deck. A large bust of King Neptune overlooks a massive simulated eight-feet aquarium silhouetted in blue neon and luminescent seashells. The vast array of colorful fish, crabs, and sea turtles that adorns the wall has become a local favorite prompting the crew to name each one.

For those seeking a less nautical experience, dining can be enjoyed in the world of rock 'n roll. A life size multicolored neon guitar flashes in sync with the music in the background. Framed vintage albums dress the walls allowing crew members an opportunity to step back in time and witness the evolution of rock music. From 78s to eight tracks, cassettes to CDs, legends from Louis Armstrong to Elvis Presley and the Beatles are featured.

Car buffs gravitate in the corner where a traffic light flashes next to an old 1940's gas pump. Route 66 signs, old highway maps and an assortment of die-cast antique and futuristic cars set the perfect mood for those with a nostalgia for the automotive world.

For the sports enthusiast, the ultimate "sport's zone" has been created with memorabilia shadow boxes that reflect the history of every major sport. Crew members have an opportunity to gaze at the first pair of boxing gloves invented as well as the picture of Muhamed Ali's "punch heard round the world." The greatest games of professional basketball and football can be relived. Fans can get a true feel of why baseball became "America's Game." And what sporting event would be complete without hot dogs? As such, a fully lighted hot dog stand, complete with grill roller, was fabricated to allow Sailors an opportunity to have a hot dog with any meal.

The Gonzalez mess is no longer just the place where the crew eats but is instead a place where the Sailor can escape the rigors of shipboard life, relax in a pleasant environment, and enjoy a fantastic meal. Quality of life is a key issue on board Gonzalez and feeding the crew is a major part of that issue. Every consideration has been taken to provide the very best in food preparation and dining services. The idea from the very beginning was to set the standard, to create the most pleasurable dining experience for the crew while creating a facility that would allow for more efficient food preparation and maintenance. Literally, from the deck up, this has been an all hands effort. In just a few short months we enacted a self help project that encompassed painting, deck preservation, upholstery, decoration, and the replacement of more than 60 percent of the galley equipment to ensure we were 100 percent operational.

The response from the crew has been overwhelming. Meal evaluation sheets, collected daily and read from the food service attendants all the way to the captain, show that the Gonzalez crew is very pleased with their new dining facility and the meals. "This place is awesome," commented GSM1 (SW) Craig Garcia. "I have been on a lot of different ships and the mess is always so bland. This place is like going to a restaurant like Applebee's." DC1 (SW) Jay Clark echoed that sentiment, "The mess here is really great. There is something for everybody. It's actually a fun place to eat."

Apparently, Gonzalez's formula for success has proven not only a huge hit with the crew but with the Atlantic Training Group as well, who scored the Food Service operation with an unprecedented 98.1 percent on the Supply Management Inspection. Additionally, Gonzalez Food Service has been selected as a Ney finalist for the East Coast Medium Alfloat Category. As Gonzalez prepares for its upcoming deployment, one thing remains clear, the Food Service Division will continue to set the standard.

LT Corey Cook enlisted in the Navy in 1987 and served on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) before being selected for the Enlisted Education Advancement Program. After accelerating his studies he earned a bachelor's degree in business, applied for OCS, and was commissioned in 1996. He served on the USS Austin (LPD 4)followed by special assignment with the Army at Military Traffic Management Command, Fort Eustis, Va.

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Department of the Navy, Supply Systems Command
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group