In the 16th season premiere, chef Gordon Ramsey welcomes his 18 new recruits on the grounds of the U.S. Army training facility. Then, it's survival of the fittest when they face the Signature Dish challenge and their first dinner service, during which they cook for VIP guests Nolan Gould and Erica Ash.

The contestants race in the first annual Crepe Grand Prix challenge for a chance to win a luxurious dining experience on a yacht in Santa Barbara. Later, one team struggles right out of the gate during a dinner service featuring VIP guests Maureen DeWulf and Dash Mihok.

Tensions run high in the house as the teams face their next challenge, which is to make eight unique dishes using a selection of ostrich cuts. While the winners get to go to Big Bear for a zip-lining excursion, the losing chefs have to pluck pine nuts out of pinecones.

The contestants compete in a surf and turf protein relay for the chance to win a day of surfing at the Wavehouse in San Diego. Meanwhile, the losing team must make sausages from scratch. Later, the pressure is on during dinner service when a VIP 12-top are among the night's guests.

A shocking elimination forces both teams to regroup and chart a new course as they take on the Seven Seas Seafood Challenge, which gives the chefs 30 minutes to prepare a fish dish using a variety of fresh ingredients. Later, guitarist Joe Perry and singer Estelle are invited to the dinner service.

The remaining contestants take part in an Ingredient Crossword Challenge. Later, kid-friendly items must be incorporated into the dinner service during a family night with VIP diners, who include actresses Lauren Lapkus and Ciara Hanna.

The remaining contestants are tasked with cooking their own version of a Southern staple, which will be judged by chef Chris Hastings. Later, there's a feeling of determination to impress VIP guests J.J. Redick, Blake Lewis, Mircea Monroe and Adrienne Maloof at dinner service. However, stress levels rise and Ramsay makes a shocking decision.

A change leaves the chefs in shock as they prepare to host the International Ballroom Invitational. This special event calls for a special menu, which includes a raw bar that requires one team to break down lobster, scrub clams and oysters, and steam up crabs.

The chefs pair up for a challenge in which they must combine two countries' flavors to impress Roy Yamaguchi.

The remaining chefs are challenged to create their dishes with only six ingredients.

The remaining chefs must create a unique dining experience for a large group of well-known chefs.

The final two chefs prepare for their final service.