Royal Navy Caterer Supports Commonwealth Day 14 March 2022 Topic: People Storyline: People Able Rate Patrick Okla, from Kaduna, Nigeria, is very proud to be a serving member of the Royal Navy and to celebrate Commonwealth Day. Having joined the Royal Navy five years ago, Patrick, 37. is currently employed within the Catering Services Shore Employment Team based at HMS Collingwood, Hampshire. During his career he has served on HMS St Albans and HMS Queen Elizabeth. One of the highlights of his career to date is serving a meal for The Queen when she visited the flagship. Patrick, whose parents Blessing and Samson still live in Nigeria, said: “I grew up in a military neighbourhood and have always been passionate about joining the forces when I was older. “The Royal Navy has always been my first choice because I admire how smart, disciplined and precise they are when it comes to military operations.” Patrick’s career choice has given him many fantastic opportunities that he would not have been able to achieve in Nigeria. He said: “I have travelled to a lot of countries where I have learned how to cook different types of intercontinental dishes and made good friends.” The photograph, courtesy of Keith Woodland, Crown Copyright, shows Patrick in his working environment, the kitchen of the Wardroom Officers Mess, HMS Collingwood #MadeInTheRoyalNavy The Royal Navy has always been my first choice because I admire how smart, disciplined and precise they are when it comes to military operations. Able Rate Patrick Okla Explore Units Bases and Stations HMS Collingwood
