August 2024 UPDATE: Culinary Operations Service Line (CSB, COSL, FINCEN, DLA)

New Team Members

We are pleased to welcome two new members to the COSL team this transfer season:

• CS Configuration Management/Logistics Coordinator: CSC Kevin Ball, previously serving as the CS School Chief at TRACEN Petaluma.
• Financial/Automation Coordinator: CSC Greg Runo, formerly the FSO at CGC ACTIVE.

Our existing COSL team members include:

• Division Chief: Ms. Michelle Risvold
• Management & Program Analyst: Mr. Jason Bush
• CS Shore Infrastructure Logistics Command (SILC) Liaison: CSC Ryan Sukohl
• CS Training & Professional Development Specialist: CSC Ryan Vanwart

We look forward to the contributions of our new team members and the continued success of our Culinary Operations Service Line.

Annual Audits: Important Information from your COSL Team

The COSL team is currently reviewing your CGDF Annual Audit submissions. To assist you in successfully completing your upcoming audits, we will be providing a list of common errors and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

In the past, feedback on Annual Audits was provided only in cases of outright rejection. Moving forward, we are committed to enhancing our approach by offering more comprehensive feedback and mentorship. Our goal is to improve the quality and consistency of Annual Audits through collaborative efforts with CSB representatives.

Please ensure that all Annual Audits and supporting documentation are sent to: SMB-HSWLSC-DiningFacilityAnnualAudit@uscg.mil.

Data Collection

The COSL Team is currently capturing and quantifying CS rating data diligently. This effort is aimed at enabling our CS and Coast Guard leadership to make informed, data-driven decisions using updated models and methods for data retrieval.

Hurricane Response and Recovery Update

As we approach the sixth named storm of the season, with Hurricane BERYL and Hurricane DEBBY being the most recent to make landfall, the COSL team and Culinary Support Branch (CSB) representatives are actively monitoring the situation.

We will be reaching out to units in the projected path of these storms to:

• Confirm current FSO contact information
• Assess galley status (Open/Closed)
• Determine the number of CSs attached
• Evaluate the amount of food stores on hand (both shelf-stable and perishable)

Daily check-ins will continue throughout the lifespan and path of each storm.

For all FSOs in hurricane-prone areas, please ensure you have an emergency plan in place and consider maintaining 3-5 days’ worth of shelf-stable food stores to support your crew. If your unit is impacted for more than 3-5 days, the situation may be deemed significant and could potentially affect the operability of CGDFs.

Surge Staffing Section (SSS) / Request for Forces (RFF) Liaison Update

The COSL team members, CSCM Kevin Ball and CSC Ryan Vanwart, are collaborating with the Personnel Service Command (PSC)-SSS to coordinate Culinary Specialist support for mission-critical and voluntary short-term personnel requests. This process often involves reaching out to our Points of Contact (POCs) at CSA Yorktown or CSA Alameda, as well as contacting other units that may have volunteers or additional CSs available, including those from closed or disestablished CGDFs.

Please ensure that all SSS/RFF support requests are routed through your respective District or Area chain of command. For further guidance and instructions, visit the Surge Staffing Section (SSS) SharePoint site at Surge Staffing Section (SSS) (sharepoint-mil.us) or contact CSCM Kevin Ball directly at Kevin.M.Ball@uscg.mil .

Ashore Major Equipment Support Update

COSL Team member CSC Ryan Sukohl is actively seeking funding for major equipment replacement at ashore units. Equipment in need of replacement may include ranges, ovens, sanitizers, fryers, steamers, kettles, ice machines, and tilt skillets.

To request replacement equipment:

1. Email CSC Ryan Sukohl at Michael.R.Sukohl@uscg.mil with details of your major equipment needs
2. Include your EO/EPO in the email to streamline the process

This fiscal year, the POC will identify and prepare replacement equipment based on FSO requests, making it ready for replacement once funding is secured. The COSL team will prioritize and manage equipment needs until funds are exhausted. Additionally, we can assist in transferring new or lightly used equipment from units with surplus.

OCONUS Deployment Preparations

COSL members CSCM Kevin Ball and CSC Ryan Vanwart, in collaboration with DLA Troop Support Liaison CSCS Earnest Oellrich, will work closely with cutter FSOs to prepare for OCONUS deployments. Key areas of focus will include:

• STORES WEB Accounts: Confirm which members are using STORES WEB and ensure their accounts are active
• DLA Troop Support Liaison Contact: Verify if you have contacted CSCS Earnest Oellrich to discuss ordering points, lead times, and issues related to Government and Commercial provisions
• Catalogs: Ensure you have downloaded the necessary catalogs for optimal DLA usage
• Potential Issues: Identify any potential issues (equipment or personnel) that could affect the galley’s ability to support the mission effectively
• Menu Cycles: Define the type of menu cycles you plan to use (e.g., 3-week, 6-week)
• Pre-Deployment Loadout: Begin planning your pre-deployment loadout and estimate the associated costs

Please address these points to ensure a smooth deployment process.

Thak you all for everything you do, stay safe, and do not hesitate to reach out to anyone at the COSL Team!

Culinary Support Branch (CSB)

The CSB team is currently rocking and rolling, providing unit guidance, training, and mentorship for 365+ units and Commands. Last week, RFMC, CG1K13, CSB, and FINCEN were in the process of updating the Culinary Operations Management Instructions. We greatly appreciate all feedback that was received. CSB has also had representatives at the Buoy Tender Roundup in Buchanan, TN and the CS Roundup in Grand Haven, MI. We look forward to sending a representative to the upcoming Buoy Tender Roundup in Juneau, AK.

The Culinary Support Branch has also seen a trend of unvalidated purchases. Please be advised the Purchase Card Team are holding all CHs/AOs accountable if purchases are not approved in FSMS.  We understand that FSMS is not a perfect system, and there have been issues recently. If you are experiencing issues within FSMS please stay in contact with your FOPC and CSB Representative. We ask that CHs engage with the AOs to ensure all cardholders purchase are approved in a timely manner, regardless the purchase. Mrs. Jacquelyn Rush sends monthly status reports for CHs/AOs for compliance.

For incoming and outgoing FSOs, please reach out to your CSB Rep for guidance to ensure a smooth departure and relief. FINCEN is currently missing the 90 day Follow Up memos with corrective actions. If you do not provide the memo, it is difficult for FINCEN/CSB to assist your unit with further actions. We understand that many of the missing receivables are untraceable, however, the memo informs us of the actions taken by the unit to recover the missing funds.

On the Horizon

• New SDP and CS17/CS18 requirements are currently in the approval process; once approved, all SDP and Competency code requests will go through your CSB Rep for approval. Your CSB Rep will then route your memo to the RFMC for signature
• CSB will be releasing all updated memos this month. Please note our SSIC has changed from 4061 to 7000

Galley SOP

The CSB team is currently reworking the galley Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to capture unit Contingency Plan and Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) Program.