Royal Navy sailor named UK's top military caterer for his 'dogged work' on HMS Prince of Wales

Warrant Officer 1 Sam Hogg picked up the title of Armed Forces Caterer of the Year for his work feeding the men and women on HMS Prince of Wales.

The 38-year-old was nominated for the award for his leadership and creativity in the day-to-day running of the aircraft carrier’s galleys, including feeding 800 sailors up to four meals a day, as well as providing food for prestigious events.

WO1 Hogg spent 2019 building the ship’s catering service up from scratch, transforming both galleys into fully-functioning workspaces and being at the heart of the ship’s catering for her commissioning ceremony attended by the aircraft carrier’s lady sponsor the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales.

As part of his creative thinking he implemented a ‘quick bites’ menu on board in an effort to satisfy the changing demands of the crew – a trial hailed as a huge success.

His nomination for the Public Sector Catering Award said: ‘Under WO1 Hogg, HMS Prince of Wales has successfully integrated Able Seaman and Leading Hand stewards, NAAFI chefs, army chefs and civilian staff within the galleys.

‘He has doggedly searched for innovative ways to ensure consistent, and sustainable support to the ship’s company. He refused to settle for common practise and recognised a need to think creatively.

‘He successfully applied for approximately £22,000 worth of more efficient kitchen machinery, which helped to reduce preparation and cooking times in the galley.’

Speaking after his win, WO1 Hogg said: ‘It is really good to receive recognition for assisting to shape the future feeding model on board Royal Navy ships and I couldn’t have done it without a superb, young and enthusiastic team.’

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HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Portsmouth almost a year ago.

The 65,000-tonne behemoth, sister ship to HMS Queen Elizabeth, is currently preparing for her next phase of sea trials.

This week the crew was battling a flood in an engineering compartment on the ship.

It was the second such incident to strike the ship in five months, following a similar leak in May.

The navy is investigating both floods.

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