USS De Wert's S-2 Division was presented the Capt. Edward F. Ney Memorial Award for outstanding mess decks in the small vessel category. -Photo courtesy of USS De Wert

USS De Wert wins Ney award

From USS De Wert PAO

When the crew of USS De Wert (FFG-45) does more than eat in its mess decks- they dine.

USS De Wert was selected as the 2001 Edward F. Ney Award winner (small vessel category) for the Atlantic Fleet.

The Capt. Edward F. Ney Memorial Award recognizes outstanding Navy afloat and ashore general messes and hospital nutrition management departments.

The Secretary of the Navy and International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) co-sponsor the program. IFSEA is a non-profit food service association dedicated to enhancing the professional image and growth of people serving the food service industry.

To compete for the Ney award (afloat category), the command must score well on the supply management inspection (SMI). The SMI team from Afloat Training Group (ATG) recommends the commands that score well. The Commander, Naval Supply and the Navy Food Management team determine who will compete for the award.

The inspection is tough. The exact inspection date is not given to the ship - only the available month. This tactic ensures a true snap shot is presented of the command's daily operation.

The inspectors review administration, records, food service management system, menu planning and food production, customer satisfaction, training, sanitation, safety, inventory, equipment and nutrition.

''This award is just an example of the teamwork on board USS De Wert,'' De Wert's S-2 Division Leading Chief Petty Officer MSCS(SW/AW) Rory Bacon said. ''Supply, Engineering and Medical were just some of the departments that helped S-2 Division achieve this award. The cooks and food service attendants worked consistently hard to ensure we had a good chance of winning this award.''

''From the captain to the executive officer, command master chief, supply officer on down, we have complete support on ensuring we provide excellent food service on a consistent basis. Our motto is 'Ney every day!','' he added.

USS Samuel E. Morison (FFG-13) was runner-up this year in the small vessel category. USS Carney (DDG-64) was runner-up in the medium small vessel category.