JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Written by Lewis Turner and Jessica Clark as part of their exploratory series 'Lewis & Clark.' Have suggestions for places they should check out? Email news@firstcoastnews.com.
At Naval Station Mayport, there's a strong gale force wind blowing through the galley.
Lewis and Clark got a tour of the facility, as they focus on the military around the First Coast during the week of Veterans Day.
'Hurricane' serves up around a thousand meals a day. It actually took some prying to get his actual full name, which is Michael Carter.
But since the name Hurricane was good enough for two U.S. presidents, it's good enough for Lewis and Clark as well.
"For seven years I worked for President George W. Bush," he said while showing us his presidential service badge on his apron. "Then from 2010 to 2011, I cooked for President Obama."
Hurricane has his name long before Hurricane Irma and Matthew moved through the First Coast, but his name was cemented on Mayport during those events.
No power? No problem. He just fired up some grills to feed the folks who had to stay on the base. Which meant Hurricane Carter was also very essential.
"I went to the MWR and borrowed a couple of grills and got hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs and steaks going," he said.
The thing is, he was doing this for thousands of people a day.
"Yes, it was around 3000 we were feeding and that included five ships," he said.
Not only does he leads the staff in the kitchen, which gets pretty hopping, he also is known for serving up some tasty bites.
One woman told Lewis and Clark that she's a big fan of Hurricane's cooking.
"I’d come every day if I could but Fridays... I don’t miss Fridays!" she tells them. "That's pizza and wings day."
And for great food, the price is surprisingly affordable. Lunch and dinner are both just $5.60 each.
"Forget about sneaking on base for military secrets," Lewis Turner joked. "Do it to come eat Hurricane’s food for cheap!"
"Food is important. Food fuels the body," Hurricane said. "Every single meal is important because the sailors are out there working hard. Our military folks are out there working hard."