Navy People: The travelling chef
4 December 2010
Mel Ohlson was originally from a quiet street in downtown Morwell. That was until she joined the Navy in search of adventure. Signing up as a boatswains mate in 1997 she soon changed over to become a cook in 1999. This is her story…
Throughout her exciting career Mel has had postings to the shore bases Cerberus, Penguin, Waterhen and Cairns, as well as sea postings in HMA Ships Tobruk, Mermaid, Newcastle and the Sea Training Platform Seahorse Horizon.
Her service has seen her travel to every major Australian port and as far and wide as Norfolk Island, New Zealand, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates (including Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi), Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hawaii and Fiji.
During her service Mel has been decorated with the Australian Service Medal for her service in the Solomon Islands, the Australian Active Service Medal for her service in the Middle East, as well as being awarded the Australia Day Medallion for her instructional technique during her posting at HMAS Creswell.
“Since I joined the Navy I have become a fully qualified Chef. Onboard HMAS Success, I am the galley manager and senior caterer where I manage a fantastic and dedicated young galley of Navy chefs,” said Mel.
“My team is responsible for providing three hot meals a day to a crew of 220 people, which is very satisfying. I have the added responsibility of overseeing the ordering of stock, creating menus the ship will love, rotating stock and making sure the kitchen is clean, basically everything you’d expect from a restaurant manager.”
“In addition, I am involved in ‘whole of ship’ activities, including damage control, man overboard exercises and providing medical aid,” said Mel.
Mel has been selected for promotion and will be promoted to Petty Officer in the New Year.
“I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that come with this position, particularly instilling a sense of positive thinking into young sailors about going to sea and preparing them for the challenges that await in the service to our country,” said Mel.
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