Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON -- The award-winning 24 Area Messhall celebrated its grand re-opening here Feb. 14 after $3.1 million in improvements.Voted Camp Pendleton's best messhall in 1999, the messhall needed renovations to accommodate Marines transferring from the now closed Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro.The improved messhall now seats 304, doubled from 152, has a new drainage system, roof, server lines, food-service equipment, floor tiles and two glass-covered solarium dining areas.They basically gutted out the place and kept the existing foundation and structure, said MSgt. Phillip W. Johnson, messhall manager, 24 Area. "They replaced virtually everything else, including plumbing and electricity."Civilian construction began Oct. 1999, was completed Jan. 2001, and the upgraded messhall was open for service Jan. 25.The messhall serves 24 Area billeting personnel and the entire airfield (excluding Fleet Replacement Enlisted Skills Training service members, who eat at the 22 Area Messhall)."The cold cuts selection is better, they have a pasta bar and good ice cream," said Cpl. Jeremy O. Alexander, intelligence specialist, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39. The messhall now has many different kinds of food to choose from."Besides serving some of the finest quality chow on base, we offer a large variety," said Johnson.Except for the burger and main line, all lines are self-serve, and include a salad bar, deli bar, taco bar, potato bar, pasta bar and ice cream bar. "We make our burgers to order," said Johnson. "The customers don?t mind waiting the extra three minutes for a freshly grilled burger."These guys make cheese burgers that make my mouth water," said Johnson. "It's like a Hometown Buffet. We now have the ambiance of a nice restaurant."Johnson serves his customers by going above and beyond what is expected of him."I get involved with customers on the mess deck," he said. "My workers do that as well, by asking customers questions about their dinning experience."Striving to become even more professional, Johnson is seeking higher education."I'm currently working toward an associates degree in food and hospitality management at Central Texas College through the base education center here," he said. "I enjoy being a food service specialist. It makes me feel good to see Marines and sailors well fed and content."The messhall has had some unique visitors, such as Mr. Glenn Bell, founder and owner of Taco Bell, and a former California senator. Bell is a former Marine who worked in food service. Each day, the messhall's 12 civilian and 23 Marine attendees serve approximately 900 to 950 guests."The Marines and civilians work as a team," said Johnson.The outstanding results are noticeable.?The personnel here and all the patrons we have coming in always have a good attitude,? said SSgt. Mariano P. Franco, property staff noncommissioned officer, H&HS, MCAS. ?The cooks and servers take pride in their work.? The Marines also took pride in the appearance of their messhall. They helped complete the building?s landscaping.?I designed a landscaping plan and presented it to my master sergeant,? said Franco. ?He ran it up the chain of command, and it got approved. We received a budget for the materials.?The teamwork came through when volunteers were sought.?The cooks, on their time off, assisted with the layout work,? said Franco. ?Our goal is to provide the finest service and food quality aboard Camp Pendleton,? said Johnson. ?We want our customers to feel more relaxed. If you come by, you?ll notice the difference. Our customers are happier.?We personally invite all Camp Pendleton service members to come ?mess with the best.? They?ll be glad they did.?