Ex PITCH BLACK 2022

Ex PITCH BLACK 22 by FS Justin Collings

On the 10 Aug 22 I deployed for five weeks as the Chef lead on EX PBK 22 to support catering output on RAAF Darwin in the NT Australia. PBK22 is the biennial, capstone international engagement activity aimed at strengthening regional partnerships, improve interoperability between nations and promote regional stability through habitual tactical interactions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Hosting up to 2,500 personnel and up to 100 aircraft from 17 Air Forces around the globe including participants from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. The UK contribution was 4 Typhoons and a refuelling Voyager with 200 RAF personnel. Leading 15 Chefs from across TG19 we travelled from all corners of the UK to meet at Prestwick airport for the short hop around the world. It became perfectly clear I had a good mix within the team of unit Catering, 3MCS and RAuxAF providing a blend of experience and personality. After the transfer from the airport, we arrived at Bladin Village which was built as an isolation camp before being converted into transit accommodation for a modern transient workforce. The accommodation fit for purpose but very remote. Up steps the modern Aviators with their Uber Apps so we could make the most of our time whilst we awaited logistics requirements. Fully embedded with RAAF Chefs the team were split across three messes and In-Flt. Instantly it became apparent that the team were going to enjoy their time working in an environment reminiscent of the pre-PAYD era. The quality of the ingredients and the free licence to create menus of their choice was refreshing and gave the experienced operators an excellent opportunity to showcase their mentoring, teaching skills and exceptional culinary knowledge. Taking a lead in all outlets they impressed the RAAF management and other foreign nations chefs. The Stn Cdr said we were the ‘cavalry coming over the hill’ when we arrived due to the talent of which we had brought to support the EX. Due to previous redundancies in the RAAF they have now had to recruit as they had reduced to far; however, this left a void in experienced tradesman on the shop floor, fortunately we have had brought an abundance of experience. Including a rare sight of a FS in whites on occasion. Throughout the Ex the Chefs had the opportunity to work with quality ingredients including Crocodile, Kangaroo and native herbs such as Salt Bush as well as cooking T-Bone Steak, Lamb Rumps and Calamari for lunch. Feeding 700+ in the JRM and up to 450 in the two messes was the daily battle rhythm with the addition of a plethora of functions and VVIP visits. The team rotated around all areas, so they all experienced the different outlets and cultures. Catering for diversity and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the customer, they fully emersed themselves into the authenticity of catering for different nationalities. The standout event of the Ex was the International Night where all nations showed off what their countries had to offer. As well as supporting the quintessentially British Pimm’s and Scone stand we also supported in designing menus and working the International buffet for 2000 SP. This extremely busy event captured the collaborative working and exceptional standards of the whole multinational team. EX PBK22 was an amazing experience for all involved and the amount of praise bestowed upon the team from ACAUST, and CAF showed the high regard and importance they put on catering as the motivating force for SP. The Catering Team received a commendation for the Exceptional Performance from CAF. The team worked extremely hard serving 57500 across three separate Messes, an additional 15000 InFlight catering meals. They also managed to experience some of the breath-taking scenery and wildlife that Australia has to offer. The hospitality of the RAAF was exceptional and made us feel very welcome and the team seamlessly worked in harmony throughout.