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NAVAL RTC, Great Lakes

U.S. Navy•129 members

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About this Unit

NAVAL RTC, Great Lakes

U.S. Navy

Naval Recruit Training Command (RTC), located at Great Lakes, Illinois, is the United States Navy’s only boot camp. Established in 1911, it has trained millions of sailors for service, especially during major conflicts like both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout its history, Great Lakes has adapted its training programs to meet evolving naval needs, incorporating advances in technology, tactics, and diversity. Today, RTC Great Lakes remains a critical institution, transforming civilians into sailors and serving as the gateway to the modern Navy.

About NAVAL RTC, Great Lakes

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Historical Facts

Oldest Naval Training Center: Naval Station Great Lakes, home to Recruit Training Command (RTC), was commissioned in 1911, making it the oldest continuously operating Navy training center in the United States.
The Navy's "Boot Camp": RTC Great Lakes is the U.S. Navy’s only enlisted recruit training facility, training over 35,000 recruits annually.
World War II Expansion: During World War II, Great Lakes RTC expanded massively, training over 1 million sailors between 1941 and 1945.
First African American Sailors: In 1942, Great Lakes became the first U.S. Navy training facility to admit African-American recruits, who trained at Camp Robert Smalls.
Historic Buildings: The base features several historic buildings, including Building 1 (the original administration building), designed by renowned architect Jarvis Hunt.
Birthplace of the Bluejackets: Recruits graduating from RTC are called "Bluejackets," a term dating back to the earliest days of the U.S. Navy.
Liberty Bell Replica: The base proudly displays a full-sized replica of the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American freedom and patriotism.
Women in the Navy: The first women accepted for volunteer emergency service (WAVES) trained at Great Lakes during World War II, paving the way for female integration into the Navy.
USS Trayer (BST-21): RTC houses the USS Trayer, a 210-foot-long simulator ship used for realistic recruit training, including firefighting and damage control exercises.
Pass-In-Review Ceremony: The weekly graduation ceremony, known as Pass-In-Review, is a time-honored tradition where families and officials witness recruits become full-fledged sailors.

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NAVAL RTC, Great Lakes

U.S. Navy•129 members

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About this Unit

NAVAL RTC, Great Lakes

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Edgar Soto

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1976 - 1976

U.S. Navy Veteran

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1971 - 1971

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Beulah Tobergta

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1973 - 1974

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About NAVAL RTC, Great Lakes

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Oldest Naval Training Center: Naval Station Great Lakes, home to Recruit Training Command (RTC), was commissioned in 1911, making it the oldest continuously operating Navy training center in the United States.
The Navy's "Boot Camp": RTC Great Lakes is the U.S. Navy’s only enlisted recruit training facility, training over 35,000 recruits annually.
World War II Expansion: During World War II, Great Lakes RTC expanded massively, training over 1 million sailors between 1941 and 1945.
First African American Sailors: In 1942, Great Lakes became the first U.S. Navy training facility to admit African-American recruits, who trained at Camp Robert Smalls.
Historic Buildings: The base features several historic buildings, including Building 1 (the original administration building), designed by renowned architect Jarvis Hunt.
Birthplace of the Bluejackets: Recruits graduating from RTC are called "Bluejackets," a term dating back to the earliest days of the U.S. Navy.
Liberty Bell Replica: The base proudly displays a full-sized replica of the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American freedom and patriotism.
Women in the Navy: The first women accepted for volunteer emergency service (WAVES) trained at Great Lakes during World War II, paving the way for female integration into the Navy.
USS Trayer (BST-21): RTC houses the USS Trayer, a 210-foot-long simulator ship used for realistic recruit training, including firefighting and damage control exercises.
Pass-In-Review Ceremony: The weekly graduation ceremony, known as Pass-In-Review, is a time-honored tradition where families and officials witness recruits become full-fledged sailors.