Oct. 24, 2008
Q: I discovered the breakfast service at the hospital cafeteria when I first transferred six months ago and staying at the Navy Lodge. The price was very reasonable and the food was well prepared and nutritious. It was great! After my fifth or sixth trip there, I was informed that the cafeteria was only open to hospital personnel. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks offer very limited menus. Please consider allowing newly arrived and other in-transit folks, especially those who are staying at the Navy Lodge, the option to have breakfast in the hospital cafeteria. It would make the transition much nicer with a healthy breakfast in a pleasant atmosphere.

A: We appreciate the compliments the writer has provided concerning the quality of our food and the ambiance of our facility. However, it is true that our galley is a closed mess. This is due to the limited seating available as well as the growing cost associated with running an open facility. This policy has been in place since April 2007. In June 2008, during the time the Officers’ Club was being remodeled, our previous commanding officer volunteered to open the hospital galley to the general public for breakfast and dinner only. This was a gesture of community support and would remain in effect until the Officers’ Club re-opened, or access or cost became prohibitive. Two weeks after the club re-opened a sign was placed at the cash cage of the galley reminding patrons that we are a closed mess as the Officers’ Club was again open for business. This sign remains in place today.