Keeping stomachs from rumbling at Camp Growl

The smell of bacon and eggs and the sounds of knives on cutting boards fill the air as breakfast is prepared at Camp Growl, July 22, 2019, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019.

A total of 17 service members from the Australian Army, U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps are responsible for feeding up to 800 people three times per day throughout TS19.

Australian Army Catering Corps Chef from the 10th Force Support Battalion, Sgt. Michael Buswell, handles the daily operations of the kitchen, ordering of rations, gas, consumables and kitchen expenses. He also is in charge of creating the catering shift schedule and coordination with the U.S. kitchen members.

Three food truck deliveries are made per week, each carrying enough food to serve approximately 1,500 meals per day. All kitchen service members work hand-in-hand to ensure the troops at Camp Growl are well-fed and able to focus on their missions.

“Some things that I’ve taken away from Talisman Sabre 19 would be the opportunity to work and engage with some of our allies and sharpen some of my skillsets,” said U.S. Marine Corps LCpl. Ezekiel Gomez, 33rd Division 81st Marines food service specialist. “I’ll be able to take the knowledge I’ve gained here back to my home unit and teach other Marines.”

Buswell went on to say, while both Australians and Americans dearly miss our loved ones back home, we have formed friendships that will last for many years to come.