great lakes

The Great Lakes naval region has played a significant role in U.S. military history, particularly during the War of 1812, when both American and British forces vied for control over vital waterways. The establishment of Navy training facilities, most notably Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois in 1911, marked the area as a crucial center for naval preparation and support. Throughout both World Wars, the station trained hundreds of thousands of sailors, contributing greatly to the U.S. Navy's operational strength. Today, Naval Station Great Lakes remains the Navy’s only boot camp, training all enlisted personnel and continuing its legacy as a backbone of naval readiness.