CNO Visits Three Carriers

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Members of the "Cooks From the Valley" organization treated USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS George Washington (CVN 73), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailors to more than 12,000 fresh, New York steaks, Aug. 17, aboard Naval Base Coronado (NBC).

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert also attended the picnic with Sailors from the three commands.

"People have asked me many times what my favorite thing was about being CNO, and the best parts are days like today," said Greenert. "It's so great to look out there into the crowd seeing everyone's eyes. Seeing ball caps. Seeing backpacks; all the new chief selectees. And actually getting out there to meet all of you. It amazes me how this nation of ours can turn over generation after generation of people from all different backgrounds who are all united for the greater good of our country. It's the real deal. This is all real business, and you are the tip of the spear."

For Gregory Horn, a member of "Cooks From the Valley," the trip was about celebrating the sacrifices and dedication of the men and women who serve the nation's Navy.

"I'm so very happy to be able to return to my roots and give back to Sailors," said Horn, who previously held the title of deputy chief of Chaplains during his naval career. "It's an incredible honor to be back on the pier right alongside these amazing men and women, and actually being able to repay them a bit for all the hard work they do."

With the help and support of NBC personnel, "Cooks From the Valley" began preparations for the event days in advance by seasoning steaks and setting up tents and chairs for the massive crowd of hungry and grateful Sailors that would eventually engulf the pier.

"We were really fortunate to have the CNO come to show his appreciation to our Sailors and the Cooks From the Valley," said Reagan Sailor Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Thurman McDowell. "It really gave us all a sense of encouragement and a pat on the back for a job well done. The crews of these three ships are going through some big transitions and I really cannot express my gratitude to everyone involved in making today happen."

Horn's team catered to the crews of the three ships, feeding more than 8,400 Sailors.

"Cooks From the Valley", established in 2002, is an organization comprised of philanthropic professionals who purchase high-grade steak out-of-pocket, travel to wherever military personnel are located, fire up the grill and prepare meals for service members free of charge. The organization is united by the common goal of showing appreciation and giving back to men and women in uniform.

Carl Vinson is currently undergoing a planned incremental availability period, while George Washington and Ronald Reagan are conducting a crew and equipment swap.

Once the swap is complete, George Washington will begin its transit to Norfolk, Virginia, where it will prepare for its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul.

Ronald Reagan will proceed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to serve as the fleet's forward deployed naval forces aircraft carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan.

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