Naval Station Great Lakes
Encyclopedia
Naval Station Great Lakes is the home of the United States Navy
's only boot camp, located near the city of North Chicago, Illinois
, in Lake County
. Important tenant commands include the Recruit Training Command
, Training Support Center and Navy Recruiting District Chicago. Naval Station Great Lakes is the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training station in the Navy. The base has 1,153 buildings situated on 1628 acres (6.6 km²) and has 50 miles (80.5 km) of roadway to provide access to the base's facilities. Within the naval service, it has several different nicknames, including "The Quarterdeck of the Navy," or the more derogatory "Great Mistakes."
The original 39 buildings built between 1905 and 1911 were designed by Jarvis Hunt
.
The base is like a small city, with its own fire department
, Naval Security Force, and public works department.
One of the landmarks of the area is Building 1, also known as the clocktower building. Completed in 1911, the building is made of red brick, and has a tower that stands 300 feet over the third floor of the building. The large parade ground in front of the administration building is named Ross Field.
The following rate training class A-schools are located at Naval Station Great Lakes:
Culinary Specialist
(CS) A-school was also taught at TSC Great Lakes until December 10, 2010, when the school graduated its final class. The course has been consoldated with the US Army's parallel program and relocated to Fort Lee
, Virginia.
Hospital Corpsman (HM) "A" School has been moved out of Great Lakes. The last class graduated on July 27, 2011. It's last class was Class 11-125. The school has relocated to the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston
, Joint Base San Antonio
, Texas. This change has merged Air Force, Army, and Navy Medical staff to a centralized location.
In addition, all Navy rates that require basic electrical knowledge and troubleshooting training complete Apprentice Technical Training (ATT) school. This includes the Mineman
(MN) and Sonar Technician
(Surface) (STG) rates, as well as some aviation rates prior to detachment to their respective school locations in San Diego, CA and Pensacola, FL. Boatswain's Mates complete Surface Common Core (SCC) Basic Maintenance Training and engineering rates complete Basic Engineering Common Core (BECC)
(BRAC) list in 2005, Naval Station Great Lakes and RTC (Recruit Training Command — the Boot Camp portion) are not slated for closing. Almost $800 million has been invested in building new barracks ("ships"), Battle Stations 21, as well as numerous upgrades around the base, including a non-denominational chapel, and reception center for civilian families. It is the United States Navy's only boot camp facility. Approximately 40,000 recruits pass through RTC annually with up to 7,000 enrolled at the installation at any time.
Geographically, the station separates the affluent North Shore
from the more industrial Waukegan
/North Chicago
area, the latter now announcing numerous redevelopments across their span for strip malls and New Urban residency communities.
The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places
as Great Lakes Naval Training Station historic district in 1986 covering 1932 acres (7.8 km²), 43 buildings, 14 structures, and six objects.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
's only boot camp, located near the city of North Chicago, Illinois
North Chicago, Illinois
North Chicago is an outer suburb/exurb of the Chicago metropolitan area and is an incorporated city in Lake County, Illinois, United States. The population was 35,918 at the 2000 census....
, in Lake County
Lake County, Illinois
Lake County is a county in the northeastern corner of the state of Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 703,462, which is an increase of 9.2% from 644,356 in 2000. Its county seat is Waukegan. The county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area...
. Important tenant commands include the Recruit Training Command
Recruit Training Command
Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, is the command within the United States Navy primarily responsible for conducting the initial orientation and training of new recruits. It commonly is referred to as boot camp, recruit training, or informally "Great Mistakes". It is approximately eight weeks long...
, Training Support Center and Navy Recruiting District Chicago. Naval Station Great Lakes is the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training station in the Navy. The base has 1,153 buildings situated on 1628 acres (6.6 km²) and has 50 miles (80.5 km) of roadway to provide access to the base's facilities. Within the naval service, it has several different nicknames, including "The Quarterdeck of the Navy," or the more derogatory "Great Mistakes."
The original 39 buildings built between 1905 and 1911 were designed by Jarvis Hunt
Jarvis Hunt
Jarvis Hunt was a "renowned Chicago architect" who designed a wide array of buildings, including train stations, suburban estates, industrial buildings, clubhouses and other structures....
.
The base is like a small city, with its own fire department
Fire department
A fire department or fire brigade is a public or private organization that provides fire protection for a certain jurisdiction, which typically is a municipality, county, or fire protection district...
, Naval Security Force, and public works department.
One of the landmarks of the area is Building 1, also known as the clocktower building. Completed in 1911, the building is made of red brick, and has a tower that stands 300 feet over the third floor of the building. The large parade ground in front of the administration building is named Ross Field.
Recruit Training Command
In 1996, RTC Great Lakes became the Navy's only basic training facility. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission of 1993 resulted in the closure of Naval Training Center San Diego, California and Naval Training Center Orlando, Florida, their associated Recruit Training Commands, and the consolidation of US Navy enlisted recruit training to Great Lakes. Approximately 40,000 recruits pass through Recruit Training Command annually with an estimated 7,000 recruits onboard the installation at any time. RTC Great Lakes has been turning civilians into Sailors for over 100 years.Training Support Center
TSC Great Lakes is the Navy's premier technical training command. It has an annual throughput of 16,000 sailors a year. TSC supports the following five learning sites:- Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS)
- Center for Naval Engineering (CNE)
- Center for EOD and Dive (CNEODD)
- Center for Naval Leadership (CNL)
- Center for Personal Development (CPD)
- Center for Service Support (CSS)
The following rate training class A-schools are located at Naval Station Great Lakes:
- Electrician's MateElectrician's MateElectrician's Mate is a United States Navy and United States Coast Guard occupational rating.Electrician's Mates stand watch on generators, switchboards, control equipment and electrical equipment; operate and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on power and lighting circuits,...
(EM) - Electronics TechnicianElectronics TechnicianElectronics Technician is a common enlisted occupation in many Militaries. Common duties for ETs include repair, calibration, and basic maintenance of most electronic equipment.-US Navy:...
(ET) - Fire ControlmanFire ControlmanFire Controlman is a United States Navy occupational rating.Fire Controlmen provide system employment recommendations; perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on digital computer equipment, subsystems, and systems; operate and maintain combat and weapons direction systems,...
(FC) - Gunner's MateGunner's MateThe United States Navy occupational rating of gunner's mate also known as gunsmens mate is a designation given by the Bureau of Naval Personnel to enlisted sailors who either satisfactorily complete initial Gunner's Mate "A" school training, or who "strike" for the rating as a deck seaman by...
(GM) - Interior Communications ElectricianInterior Communications ElectricianInterior Communications Electricians are a rate in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. They operate and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on alarm, warning, and indicator systems; interior communications; and ship's control, entertainment, and navigation...
(IC) - Boatswain's MateBoatswain's MateA Boatswain's mate is a job classification in Navies and Coast Guards.*Boatswain's mate , a job classification in the United States Navy*Boatswain's mate , a job classification in the United States Coast Guard...
(BM) - Operations Specialist (OS)
- Hull Maintenance TechnicianHull Maintenance TechnicianHull Maintenance Technician is a United States Navy occupational rating.Hull Maintenance Technicians plan, supervise, and perform tasks necessary for fabrication, installation and repair of all types of shipboard structures, plumbing, sheet metal fabrication, carpentry and piping systems;...
(HT) - Damage ControlmanDamage ControlmanDamage Controlman are the Navy's and Coast Guard’s maintenance and emergency repair specialist.Coast Guard Damage Controlmen assigned to cutters are responsible for maintaining watertight integrity, emergency equipment associated with firefighting and Shipboard flooding; plumbing repairs; welding...
(DC) - EnginemanEnginemanEngineman is a United States Navy occupational rating.-Scope of Rating:Enginemen operate, service and repair internal combustion engines used to power some of the Navy's ships and most of the Navy's small craft. Most Enginemen work with diesel engines...
(EN) - Gas Turbine System TechnicianGas Turbine System TechnicianGas Turbine System Technician is a United States Navy occupational rating.Gas Turbine Systems Technicians operate, repair, and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on gas turbine engines, main propulsion machinery , assigned auxiliary equipment, propulsion control systems, assigned...
(Electric) (GSE) - Gas Turbine System TechnicianGas Turbine System TechnicianGas Turbine System Technician is a United States Navy occupational rating.Gas Turbine Systems Technicians operate, repair, and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on gas turbine engines, main propulsion machinery , assigned auxiliary equipment, propulsion control systems, assigned...
(Mechanical) (GSM) - Machinery RepairmanMachinery RepairmanMachinery Repairman is a United States Navy occupational rating.Machinery Repairmen perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on assigned equipment and in support of other ships, requiring the skillful use of lathes, milling machines, boring mills, grinders, power hack saws, drill...
(MR) - QuartermasterQuartermasterQuartermaster refers to two different military occupations depending on if the assigned unit is land based or naval.In land armies, especially US units, it is a term referring to either an individual soldier or a unit who specializes in distributing supplies and provisions to troops. The senior...
(QM) - Machinist Mate (MM)
Culinary Specialist
Culinary Specialist (US Navy)
Culinary Specialist is a United States Navy occupational rating. It was formerly the Mess Management Specialist rating until 15 January 2004, and as Steward prior to 1975.-Duties:...
(CS) A-school was also taught at TSC Great Lakes until December 10, 2010, when the school graduated its final class. The course has been consoldated with the US Army's parallel program and relocated to Fort Lee
Fort Lee
Fort Lee may refer to:* Fort Lee, New Jersey* Battle of Fort Lee was fought on November 19, 1776 between American and British forces.* Fort Lee , a United States Army post...
, Virginia.
Hospital Corpsman (HM) "A" School has been moved out of Great Lakes. The last class graduated on July 27, 2011. It's last class was Class 11-125. The school has relocated to the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas.Known colloquially as "Fort Sam," it is named for the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston....
, Joint Base San Antonio
Joint Base San Antonio
Joint Base San Antonio is a United States military facility located in San Antonio, Texas. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force 502d Air Base Wing, Air Education and Training Command ....
, Texas. This change has merged Air Force, Army, and Navy Medical staff to a centralized location.
In addition, all Navy rates that require basic electrical knowledge and troubleshooting training complete Apprentice Technical Training (ATT) school. This includes the Mineman
Mineman
Mineman is a United States Navy occupational rating.-Duties:* Perform organizational and intermediate level maintenance on underwater mines and associated equipment, guns, gun mounts, handling equipment, small arms, surface sonar and mine countermeasures equipment.* Assemble, test, stow, and...
(MN) and Sonar Technician
Sonar Technician
Sonar Technician is a United States Navy occupational rating.ST's are responsible for underwater surveillance. They assist in safe navigation and aid in search, rescue and attack operations. They operate and repair sonar equipment...
(Surface) (STG) rates, as well as some aviation rates prior to detachment to their respective school locations in San Diego, CA and Pensacola, FL. Boatswain's Mates complete Surface Common Core (SCC) Basic Maintenance Training and engineering rates complete Basic Engineering Common Core (BECC)
BRAC 2005
Despite issuance of the Base Realignment and ClosureBase Realignment and Closure, 2005
The preliminary 2005 Base Realignment and Closure list was released by the United States Department of Defense on May 13, 2005. It is the fifth Base Realignment and Closure proposal generated since the process was created in 1988. It recommends closing 33 major United States military bases and...
(BRAC) list in 2005, Naval Station Great Lakes and RTC (Recruit Training Command — the Boot Camp portion) are not slated for closing. Almost $800 million has been invested in building new barracks ("ships"), Battle Stations 21, as well as numerous upgrades around the base, including a non-denominational chapel, and reception center for civilian families. It is the United States Navy's only boot camp facility. Approximately 40,000 recruits pass through RTC annually with up to 7,000 enrolled at the installation at any time.
Geographically, the station separates the affluent North Shore
North Shore (Chicago)
The North Shore is a term that refers to the generally affluent suburbs north of Chicago, Illinois bordering the shore of Lake Michigan.- History :Europeans settled the area sparsely after an 1833 treaty with local Native Americans...
from the more industrial Waukegan
Waukegan, Illinois
Waukegan is a city and county seat of Lake County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 87,901. The 2010 population was 89,078. It is the ninth-largest city in Illinois by population...
/North Chicago
North Chicago, Illinois
North Chicago is an outer suburb/exurb of the Chicago metropolitan area and is an incorporated city in Lake County, Illinois, United States. The population was 35,918 at the 2000 census....
area, the latter now announcing numerous redevelopments across their span for strip malls and New Urban residency communities.
The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as Great Lakes Naval Training Station historic district in 1986 covering 1932 acres (7.8 km²), 43 buildings, 14 structures, and six objects.
Museum
On or near the base is the Great Lakes Naval Museum, one of fifteen official U.S. Navy museums.External links
- Naval Station Great Lakes official website
- Navy.com - Boot Training
- Gov. Blagojevich Vows To Fight For Great Lakes Naval Training Center And Do Everything Possible To Save Any Jobs In Jeopardy
- Great Lakes Naval Training Station - National Register District
- History of Great Lakes Naval Station Football