P a ge 22 t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 2
Auxiliarist Robert Lamendola Serving Those Who Serve by COMO Joseph Giannattasio
Robert " Bob " Lamendola , a familiar Auxiliarist In-Port Watchstander among the crew of Coast Guard cutter SHEARWATER home-ported in Cape May , New Jersey , has become equally well known for amazing culinary skills and serving his famous meatballs recipe .
Spaghetti and meatballs is a quintessential favorite meal that never goes out of style , but nobody does it like Bob . The iconic dish might be the SHEARWATER crew ' s most popular onboard-cooked meal . It certainly is a touchstone for four generations of Lamendola ' s who deem it a necessary part of family milestones .
Bob has offered to cook for the SHEARWATER ' s crew when their Culinary Specialist ( CS ) has been on leave or TDY , and has gladly stepped in about a dozen times over the years . " I enjoy being on the base for watch-standing as well as cooking for the 87 ' Coastal Patrol Boats when needed ." explained Lamendola . " The galleys are small so it is fun and a challenge . But the crews work so hard , I really enjoy doing the noon meals for them whenever the CS is away ."
Bob was encouraged to share his recipe that has been part of his family for over 100 years . " It is pretty basic but makes great meatballs ", offered Bob .
( Photos of Robert Lamendola grilling and cooking pre , are post COVID from his personal collection .)
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