Neel Fredenburgh

Naval Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) West, based in San Diego, California, is a unit within the U.S. Navy dedicated to providing public affairs and visual information support to naval operations across the western United States and Pacific regions. Established to enhance the Navy’s communications capabilities, NPASE West deploys Sailors trained in journalism, photography, videography, and multimedia production to document missions and share the Navy’s story with the public. The unit regularly supports fleet exercises, humanitarian operations, and major naval events, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination. Through its efforts, NPASE West plays a critical role in maintaining transparency and fostering positive relations between the Navy and the public.

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.

The Great Lakes Naval Training Center, located in North Chicago, Illinois, is the United States Navy's largest training facility. It was established in 1911 and continues to provide basic training for enlisted sailors. The center boasts state-of-the-art facilities and training programs to prepare recruits for active duty in the Navy. With a long history of excellence in training, the Great Lakes Naval Training Center plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the US Navy.