A Royal Navy chef who spiced up menus while overseas on board HMS Richmond has been named as Armed Forces Caterer of the Year.
Petty Officer Daryl Hall, aged 30, treated the 220 ship’s company to world cuisine during a 2015 deployment to the Gulf and Mediterranean.
He was nominated for his hard work during HMS Richmond’s nine-month deployment on counter- drugs and counter-piracy operations.
While operating across four continents and in extreme conditions - including temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius - he re-invigorated the ship’s menu, introducing new tastes using fresh produce obtained during various port visits.
Daryl said: “It was an honour to receive the award and it is also reassuring to know that efforts to go the extra mile are recognised.”
He also coached and mentored his team, teaching them fine-dining specials despite difficulties with replenishment and with limited core ingredients.
His skills in the kitchen received accolades not only from the ship’s company but also from visiting VIPs.
Lieutenant Commander Neil Caswell, logistics officer on HMS Richmond said: “This was a just reward for a thoroughly professional caterer who worked incredibly hard throughout Richmond’s nine-month deployment.
“It is good to see our highly trained Royal Navy caterers being recognised for their achievements.”
When Daryl was not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, he also served as a member of the ship’s boarding team who were involved in the seizure of millions of pounds of illegal narcotics.
Originally from Barnsley, Daryl now lives in Plymouth with his partner Natalie.
He was presented with the award by Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Shepherd, Head of Defence Food Services at the Cost Sector Catering Ceremony in London.
Daryl is now looking forward to his next appointment as a catering instructor at the Defence Maritime Logistics School at HMS Raleigh, Cornwall.
