Rising star serves five star to Warrnambool

With their commendations L-R LSBM Alfonso Santos, LCDR Mark Sorby, ABSN Damian Hansen, COMNORCOM BRIG Mike Silverstone and ABCK Sofron Cleaver.

Able Seaman cook (ABCK) Sofron “Softy” Cleaver, the chef in HMAS Warrnambool is no softy when it comes to meeting the culinary challenge of satisfying the voracious appetites of Warrnambool’s warriors.

His exceptional performance was acknowledged recently with a commendation from the

Maritime Commander. COMNORCOM, BRIG Mike Silverstone, presented the commendation to AB Cleaver during a small ceremony held at Darwin Naval Base.

During his time in Warrnambool “Softy” has consistently demonstrated his tremendous abilities as a consummate professional in his field, a great friend and a standout member of the Warrnambool warrior team.

One particular delectation has been his chocolate banana cake, the limit of consumption being the physical weakness of the human body. His chili plum pork, even in sea state five, can stir cravings in the most meagre of appetites.

Needless to say his offerings seldom survive to midnighters. All this and more has helped produce a contented crew; as it is on things such as food, that one’s mind dwells on the long and sometimes harsh passages that this ship has endured.

With a genial approach but a firm hand, the galley is run with the efficiency of a five star restaurant.
Being responsible for the ordering, stocking, and storage of all victuals onboard requires the careful dedication demonstrated by this chef.

To date he has dealt with overseas deployments, difficult contractors not to mention the odd workup - without problem or worse still, bending to mediocrity.

Softy Cleaver is an all round member of the ship’s company being fender party, watch on deck and much more. He is guaranteed to be there and counted on when a job needs doing and has on more than one occasion been the difference in allowing tasks to be successfully completed. Moreover, he demonstrates a maturity and style rarely seen in a junior sailor. This coupled with his cafe ‘nouse’ and a well developed party sense, has made him one of the most popular members of Warrnambool.

As a sailor of the new Navy of the 21st century, AB Cleaver is very much a rising star.

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