NAS Jax Galley unveils new look

"I want to thank you all for the help you put forth during the galley renovation galley," said NAS Jax Supply Officer Cmdr. Terry Surdyke to a group of civilian personnel representing Navy Region Southeast, NAS Jacksonville, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast and Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Jacksonvillex. "This has truly been a cross-organizational team effort - and by looking around, you can see that it is a stunning success."

Starting outside the front door, Surdyke led a tour of the facility and pointed out the new upgrades and improvements.

A group Sailors enjoy their lunch at the new sports-themed dining area in the renovated NAS Jax Flight Line Cafe.

"Some might think this is a small thing, but the landscaping around the building is important to the appearance and sets the tone when you come into a building. Just a few months ago, our flowerbeds out front were nothing but dead shrubs. Now, thanks to the Public Works Department, it's all been landscaped," he remarked.

In the main dining room, Surdyke proudly showed off the new décor. "All the flooring in the dining areas is new. It's durable, attractive, easy to clean and so much nicer than the old carpeting. The ceiling tiles are new, as well as the energy efficient lighting and ceiling fans. The granite tables, booths, chairs and accessories are all new," he continued. "We even have new bread machines. In the past, galley staff members had to hand wrap bread in plastic wrap, which took hours."

In the sports-themed room, ceiling tiles and lights feature race cars, soccer balls and other sporting logos. There are also several flat-screen HDTVs mounted on the walls so patrons can watch their favorite teams in action as they dine.

In the kitchen, he noted, "We have a new pot scrubber and scullery unit coming that will increase efficiency and we have also installed new stoves, a refrigerator and mixers."

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. seemed quite impressed with the renovated facility. "I want to thank you all for your part in making today a reality. For those who saw what it looked like here six months ago, there is just no comparison - everything is new.

We've been four-star accredited for the past five years and I think the only thing holding us back from that fifth star was our furnishings," stated Scorby. "Thanks to FISC for handling all the contracting issues and public works and the galley staff for putting it all together and making this day happen."

The galley staff also worked diligently to increase menu choices and provide their patrons with nutritious and tasty selections.

"I had a hamburger and it was very, very good. And, the new look is great. It's much brighter inside," said Karen Snodgrass, a Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast employee.

"It looks great. It makes it very nice to eat here now. In fact, someone is sitting at my Lakers' table today and I don't like it," said ASAR Oscar Vazquez of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, referring to the sports-themed tables and accessories. "Now it feels more like I'm eating at a restaurant out in town versus an old Navy galley."

The Flight Line Café is open Monday through Friday from 6-7:30 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m for lunch and 4:30-6 p.m. for dinner. Weekend and holiday hours are 6:30-7:30 a.m. for breakfast, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30-6 p.m. for dinner. For more information, call 542-3854.