During visits to warships, Clarke particularly likes invitations to eat in the chiefs' mess. In his experience, the senior NCOs receive the best food aboard. The captain also eats well. The explanation offered for the chiefs' advantage is that the chief cook usually belongs to their mess.
Notable Point · 2:01:11-2:01:39
An invitation to the chiefs' mess
A personal recollection connects the reputation of the chiefs' mess with the chief cook's place among its members.