What are the U.S. Military Food Service Awards?
These prestigious awards recognize the best dining facilities in the different services.  

Dining facilities are evaluated by food service professionals, known as Military Travelers, who travel the world evaluating these facilities for food quality, food safety, cost effectiveness, and procedures.  Awards are grouped in to categories such as Aircraft Carrier, Field Mess, Large Dining Hall, etc.  IFSEA is solely responsible for evaluating facilities for the Army, Navy, and Military Sealift Command, while IFSEA shares responsibilities for the Air Force and other organizations.

Awards for the various U.S. Military Food Service Awards are presented annually to the Army, Military Sealift Command, and Navy at the IFSEA Conference.  Many Commanding Officers, Generals, Admirals, the Director of Food Service for each of the services, and 400+ command representatives and food management team members attend educational sessions at hte IFSEA Conference and the formal awards ceremony.

The Military Food Service Award programs began in 1957 when IFSEA, at the request of the U.S. Air Force, participated in establishing standards of service and an evaluation process to check on adherence of those standards for food service programs in the U.S. Military.  


Overview of Awards
United States Air Force John L. Hennessy Awards
Established in 1957, the Air Force Food Service Awards are named for the late John Hennessy, a hotel and restaurant executive who served on advisory boards to improve military food service.

Competition:  Includes Single and Multiple Unit facilities and the Air Force Reserve.

Awards:  Trophies and recognition are awarded at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago every May.


United States Army Philip. A. Connelly Awards
Established in 1968, the Army Food Service Awards are named for the late Philip A. Connelly, a former IFSEA President responsible for obtaining the IFSEA's sponsorship of the awards.

Competition:  The competition is Army-wide starting at Battalion/Brigade, Dining Facilities Small/Large, Field Kitchens, National Guard, and Reserves.

Awards:  Awards are presented annual IFSEA Conference and Joint Services Awards Ceremony.  Awards include scholarships to the well-known Johnson and Wales University, trophy bowls, plaques, and recognition through the Army for significant accomplishment.


U.S. Military Sealift Command Captain David M. Cook Awards
The Military Sealift Command's food service awards were established in 1992.

Competition:  Includes aboard Fleet Auxiliary Force Ships, Small/Large food service categories

Awards:  Cash Awards, Plaques, Certificate of Achievement and one week culinary training are presented at the IFSEA Annual Conference and Joint Services Awards Ceremony.


United States Navy Edward F. Ney Awards
The U.S. Navy food service awards were established in 1958.  The awards are named for the late Captain Edward F. Ney, a Supply Corps. USN, Head of the Subsistence Division during World War II.

Competition:  There are 10 categories: Small, Medium, and Large Ashore and Submarine; Small and Large Afloat and Hospital; Aircraft Carrier.

Awards:  Trophies are presented at the annual IFSEA Conference and Joint Services Awards Ceremony.  In addition, winners attend a 10-day culinary program at the renowned Culinary Institute of America.