Where is the Great Lakes Naval Base?
The Great Lakes Naval Base, officially known as the Naval Base Great Lakes, is a United States Navy base located in North Chicago, Illinois, approximately 50 miles (80 km) north of Chicago. The base is situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, from which it derives its name.
History of the Base
The Naval Training Station, as it was originally known, was established in 1911 on a 1,900-acre (770-hectare) site. The base was built to provide training facilities for enlisted personnel and officers, with the goal of increasing the Navy’s efficiency and preparedness. During World War I, the base played a crucial role in training sailors, and its role continued to grow during World War II.
Location and Features
Located at 231st Street and Lake Street, the Naval Base Great Lakes is situated within the City of North Chicago. The base is accessible by car, with the nearest interstate highways being I-94 and I-294. There is also a Metra commuter rail station within walking distance of the base, providing easy access to Chicago’s Union Station and other parts of the region.
The base is spread over 1,163 acres (471 hectares), with 14 piers, 13 of which are located on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The piers are used for berthing and launching ships, as well as for maintenance and repair. The base also has three large dry docks, which can accommodate vessels up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) in length.
Training and Operations
The Naval Base Great Lakes is home to Recruit Training Command (RTC), also known as "Boot Camp". RTC is the Navy’s only recruit training facility, and it is responsible for training over 40,000 new sailors each year. The base also houses the Navy’s only Master-at-Arms "A" School, which trains sailors in security and law enforcement.
The base is also home to Helicopter Training Squadrons (HT) 8 and 60, which operate SH-60 Seahawk helicopters. The base’s aviation facilities include a 30,000-square-foot (2,800-square-meter) hangar and a 300-foot-long (91-meter) taxiway.
Safety and Security
The Naval Base Great Lakes takes security very seriously, with a combination of physical barriers, surveillance cameras, and personnel to ensure the base’s safety and security. The base is also subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with Navy and Department of Defense security regulations.
Economic Impact
The Naval Base Great Lakes is a significant contributor to the local economy, with over 12,000 military and civilian personnel employed on the base. The base also generates over $1 billion in economic activity each year, with a significant portion of that going to local businesses.
Table: Naval Base Great Lakes’ Economic Impact
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Economic Activity | $1,000,000,000+ |
| Military Personnel | 12,000+ |
| Civilian Personnel | 2,000+ |
| Contracts with Local Businesses | $500,000,000+ |
Conclusion
The Naval Base Great Lakes is a vital part of the United States Navy’s training and operations, with a rich history and a significant presence in the local community. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the base is easily accessible and provides a range of training and operations facilities. The base is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its personnel, and it plays a critical role in the Navy’s mission to defend the nation and promote international security.
