BLUF: On 12 Jan 2024, CS “A” 04-24 became the first class in history to graduate with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Fundamentals Cook certification. 13 CS3s and 4 Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) members earned this industry leading certification. At 17 members, this was also tied for the largest graduating class in the history of the CS rating.
The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) conducted a site visit at CS “A” School on July 10, 2023, supported by the CS RFMC and CS Program Office. ACF evaluators reviewed instructional delivery methods, appropriate levels of culinary equipment use, and effectiveness of demonstrations and practice to imparting instructional success.
The ACFEF evaluator reviewed the schoolhouse on four criteria:
- Teaching safe work practices
- Providing adequate facilities for training
- Instruction outside of the kitchen
- Transcript of course/Course completion certificate.
Unique to other institutions, this evaluation included safe work practices during product demonstrations and lectures during students’ ServSafe Manager training. The evaluation noted several positive successes in sanitation, training spaces, instructional content, and the overall phased structure of the training program.
Formal notification was received by the CS Program office in December 2023, which recognized the CS Schoolhouse as an ACF certified institution for a three-year period effective 09 August 2023. CS Schoolhouse leadership is working with the CS Program to further expand and align ACF certifications to the CS workforce, including pursuing Certified Culinary Instructor approval for CS instructors and Culinary Support Activity leadership.
V/R,
CAPT Matt Chong
Commanding Officer
USCG TRACEN Petaluma
CS FORCE Master Chief "LIVE" Force Notes 