Many Mids are upset by changes

[navy2010]

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PS: With this post, I think I am through casting barbs about the present situation. However, the multiple possible ways to dissect Capt Klein’s statements may require an observation, especially since I have a bottle of merlot at stake. How does one ship a bottle of wine?

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<p>USNA69-</p>

<p>thank you for your post…</p>

<p>would like to clarify one point… re: “portion control.”
I was specifically referring to the lunch that the Supe attended to “observe” what was going on, where 1/2 of the tables in Dalgren were not served food. They were ordered to “remain seated”… 25 minutes elapsed before pasta was served.<br>
Sadly, “fact,” not rumor.
My tongue-in-cheek remark re: “portion control” was in response to “empty plates.”</p>

<p>I am posting a letter sent to parents on behalf of the Commandant.<br>
I believe Candidate mom posted it previously, but it seems have gone unnoticed.</p>

<p>As far as I am concerned, it contains the long awaited acceptance of responsiblity. </p>

<p>As for “off with her head,” that is certainly not what I have been looking for. A simple, and straightforward acknowledgement of responsiblity, accountability, and corrective action could have resolved this from the get-go and saved tons of embarrassment for all. </p>

<p>I am posting excerpts of the letter below so you can draw your own conclusions. </p>

<p>My final hope (aside from collecting my bottle of merlot from USNA69… )
is that the same message is delivered to the Brigade. It is my opinion it is warrented.</p>

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<p>Dear Parents,</p>

<p>I wanted to take this opportunity to respond to many of you who have voiced concerns about our food service, and provide you with facts to help bring you up to date on our actions…</p>

<p>[non-related items removed]</p>

<p>…One of our initial priorities was to reinstitute the practice of midshipmen regularly eating meals together in King Hall. Our focus is better aligning the Naval Academy with the Fleet, where our midshipmen
will soon serve as leaders. Food service and quality is important in the Navy and Marine Corps. Eating together on messdecks, wardrooms and in ready rooms helps officers, Sailors and Marines develop and maintain the relationships and unit cohesiveness so important to units in the Fleet.</p>

<p>Midshipmen had been eating eight meals together per week, and in mid-August, we increased that requirement to three meals per day, Sunday
evening through Friday noon- 15 meals per week - for the entire Brigade.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, we could have better anticipated the requirement for increased meal quantities which left some midshipmen with inadequate amounts of food. This was unacceptable and we made it a priority to ensure this food distribution issue was quickly resolved.</p>

<p>To address these issues, we have been obtaining instant feedback from midshipmen regarding the quality of food and using their suggestions to
improve our level of service. We have encouraged midshipmen - particularly first class midshipmen as leaders - to report problems to our Food Service Team and to their chain of command so corrective action can be taken immediately.</p>

<p>Based on feedback and initiatives, we have taken the following corrective actions:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>We have significantly increased rations to meet demand to include additional reserve trays of food standing by for distribution.</p></li>
<li><p>We have reviewed staffing and product support to ensure quality or both food and service. </p></li>
<li><p>We have increased the presence of management staff in our dining facilities during meals to answer any questions/concerns midshipmen may have during meals. </p></li>
<li><p>Finally, we are demanding Positive, Proactive, and Intrusive Leadership at all levels, critiquing each meal to ensure quality and quantity. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>On a related note, we’ve also developed a new menu which reflects our goal of providing midshipmen with the proper diet to support both academic and athletic goals and to educate and expose midshipmen to foods that are part of a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.</p>

<p>Food service and quality is important in the Navy and Marine Corps, and the Superintendent and I are both committed to ensuring that the Brigade receives the best food service available. </p>

<p>I hope this information has helped clarify the points some or you have thoughtfully brought to our attention. I appreciate your support and encouragement.</p>

<p>Thank you,</p>

<p>Captain Margaret D. Klein
United States Navy
Commandant of Midshipmen

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<p>OK USNA69- now you are free to make good!! :)</p>

<p>[bill0510… thanks for your posts… while I miss the “return to capastrano” dialogues, these are SO MUCH BETTER!!! ]</p>