Royal Navy's caterer of the year with 18 years of service credits success to her dedicated team
A chef awarded the title of Royal Navy's caterer of the year has attributed her success to the unwavering dedication and support of her team.
The Royal Navy boasts about 1,000 chefs and caterers who keep the Senior Service well fed with three hot meals a day, 365 days a year.
One of those celebrated for her excellence in the galley is HMS Trent's chef, Petty Officer Cat Taylor, who said she was humbled to have been awarded the prestigious title.
She said: "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would receive such an award, but I couldn't have achieved what I have without my department.
"They have played a huge role in our successes, always having my back, working hard and sharing in my love for food."
The Caterer of the Year competition is unique in that, unlike other military culinary contests, the title doesn't solely judge a chef or cook based on their cooking skills.
It also takes into account their attitude, motivation, support for colleagues and leadership abilities.
After 18 years of service, served extensively at sea and almost exclusively in Plymouth-based warships, PO Taylor will now be put forward for the top prize, Armed Forces Caterer of the Year.
In awarding the title to PO Taylor, Fleet Caterer Warrant Officer 1 Carl Neville said: "The award is a testament to her remarkable culinary talent and leadership qualities.
"It underlines her significant contributions to the Royal Navy's operational capabilities and welfare for those that are forward-deployed.
"This prestigious recognition does not only recognise individual accomplishments, but also shines a light on the collaborative ethos and teamwork that are the hallmarks of every galley."
And the praise doesn't end there as PO Taylor's shipmates – and fans of her cooking – are equally as delighted for her.
Correspondence Officer Lieutenant Braddan Baillie said: "Petty Officer Taylor's food is the best in the RN – as my waistline can attest."
Logistician Gregory Fawcus, who looks after HMS Trent's stores, said: "Petty Officer Taylor is not only a great caterer, producing delicious meals, but a fantastic senior rating who has been a real role model for me in my first sea draft."
HMS Trent has been widely praised for the quality of her catering services – especially in challenging or unusual locations.
The offshore patrol vessel spent the autumn of 2023 in and around West Africa and is now in the Caribbean, waters normally patrolled by her sister ship HMS Medway.
With five chefs to feed about 50 sailors typically on board HMS Trent at any one time, PO Taylor performs one shift in four in the galley alongside her tight-knit team.
The award-winning chef is also the driving force behind ensuring the finest food is served to guests for the many defence engagement duties the patrol ship performs patrolling the Caribbean, where Trent and her sailors are roaming ambassadors for the UK on an almost weekly basis.
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