Catering award win for HMS Prince of Wales Warrant Officer

His work creating a catering organisation able to feed 800 men and women daily – plus royalty on special occasions – earned HMS Prince of Wales’ Warrant Officer 1 Sam Hogg the title Armed Forces Caterer of the Year.

The 38-year-old was nominated for the award for his leadership and creativity in the day-to-day running of the aircraft carrier’s galleys, including feeding 800 sailors up to four meals a day, as well as providing food for prestigious events.

WO1 Hogg spent 2019 building the ship’s catering service up from scratch, transforming both galleys into fully-functioning workspaces and being at the heart of the ship’s catering for her commissioning ceremony attended by the carrier’s Lady Sponsor The Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales.

As part of his creative thinking he implemented a ‘Quick Bites’ menu on board in an effort to satisfy the changing demands of the customer base – a trial deemed a success by those on board.

His nomination for the Public Sector Catering Award said: “Under WO1 Hogg, HMS Prince of Wales has successfully integrated Able Seaman and Leading Hand stewards, NAAFI chefs, Army chefs and civilian staff within the galleys. 

“He has doggedly searched for innovative ways to ensure consistent, and sustainable support to the ship’s company. He refused to settle for common practise and recognised a need to think creatively.

“He successfully applied for approximately £22,000 worth of more efficient kitchen machinery, which helped to reduce preparation and cooking times in the galley.”

Speaking after his win, WO1 Hogg said: “It is really good to receive recognition for assisting to shape the future feeding model on board Royal Navy ships and I couldn’t have done it without a superb, young and enthusiastic team.”