Raising More Than Just Bread...

Story Number: NNS131010-08Release Date: 10/10/2013 9:29:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor, Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- Napoleon Bonaparte, the former emperor of France, once said "an army marches on its stomach." The same can be said about the Navy and the Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4).

One of the newest cooks, and arguably the best baker aboard the ship, has been doing his part to provide quality food for the crew to help keep the ship moving forward. From his soft, moist, delectable cookies to his warm, tasty, home-style bread rolls, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Terry Morris has been creating quite a stir throughout the ship with the food that he bakes.

Morris may have only started cooking and baking for Boxer in January when he first reported aboard, but he is far from unqualified in the kitchen. He has had experience in the culinary field since he was a small child.

"My grandma taught me how to bake and cook when I was really little," explained Morris. "And I have been baking and cooking ever since. It's just something that I really enjoy doing."

After high school, Morris went on to hone his culinary skills by receiving a degree in baking and pastry arts at the Pinellas Technical Education Center in St. Petersburg, Fla.

"I've been very impressed with the products that Morris creates," said Chief Culinary Specialist Virgilio Ibarra, one of Morris's supervisors. "It is his passion to produce great baked goods."

Morris spent his years before joining the Navy working at a bakery in a Publix grocery store, the kitchen of a children's hospital, Panera Bread, and at a couple mom and pop bakeries. At one point he even owned his own bakery.

When Morris made the decision to join the Navy, he knew with absolute certainty that he wanted to continue cooking and baking while he was serving.

"The recruiter looked at me like I was crazy when I walked in and told him that I willingly wanted to be a cook," said Morris. "But I knew that I wanted to continue cooking while carrying on my family tradition of military service."

"My dad is retired Navy, and he told me that you can always tell when you have a really good baker on a ship," continued Morris. "Because he would always train the junior cooks and pass on his knowledge, which in turn would bring up the quality of baked goods throughout the ship and make everybody happier."

Morris has cooked in several kitchens while onboard Boxer, from the main mess decks to the wardroom to the bakeshop; yet wherever Morris goes, the legacy of his delicious baked goods and bread follow him.

Capt. John E. Gumbleton, commanding officer of Boxer, has said himself that Morris is "improving morale with each tray of rolls that he makes."

Morris has maintained a deep passion throughout his life for baking and cooking. It has been that love of culinary art that drives Morris to want to pass on his skills and knowledge to those around him.

Helping those around him improve their baking skills is only one of Morris' goals while in the Navy.

"I would love to eventually revamp the culinary system in the Navy," added Morris. "I want to bring a fresher, new look into everything. I want to bring my own touch to it."