Service School Command, Great Lakes, IL

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About Service School Command, Great Lakes, IL

Service School Command, located at Great Lakes, Illinois, has played a pivotal role in the training and professional development of United States Navy personnel. Established in the early 20th century as part of Naval Station Great Lakes, the command became the Navy’s primary technical training hub following World War II, offering specialized instruction in various naval ratings and technical disciplines. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, Service School Command adapted its curriculum to meet evolving technological and operational needs, ensuring sailors are well-prepared for fleet assignments. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Navy training, maintaining its legacy of excellence in preparing enlisted personnel for service at sea and ashore.

Unit Members

Leslie Dressler

U.S. Navy (1973 - 1993)

Service School Command, Great Lakes, ILView Profile

Bob Alec

U.S. Navy

Service School Command, Great Lakes, ILView Profile

Photos

U.S. Army • 2004

U.S. Navy • 1967

About Service School Command, Great Lakes, IL

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Historic Roots: The Service School Command at Great Lakes traces its origins to 1911, making it part of the oldest continuously operating naval training installation in the United States. • World War II Expansion: During World War II, the Command ballooned in size, training over 1 million sailors as part of the war effort. • Comprehensive Training: The unit provided advanced technical training for a variety of Navy ratings, including electricians, machinists, and radiomen, shaping the backbone of the Navy’s technical workforce. • Women in the Navy: The Service School Command was among the first to offer training to WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during WWII, signaling a pivotal shift in gender integration. • Unique Facilities: The Command’s campus included specialized laboratories, simulators, and even a mock ship, allowing for realistic, hands-on instruction. • Cold War Influence: In the 1950s and ‘60s, training at the Command adapted to new technologies, such as nuclear power and advanced electronics, preparing sailors for the Cold War era. • Distinguished Alumni: Many graduates of the Service School Command went on to become senior Navy leaders, astronauts, and technical innovators. • Integration Milestone: In 1942, Great Lakes became the first naval facility to train African-American recruits, a major step toward desegregation in the U.S. military. • Enduring Legacy: Though the Service School Command was reorganized and renamed over the years, its commitment to technical excellence continues in the Navy’s current training commands at Great Lakes. • Cultural Impact: The Command and its sailors have been featured in films, documentaries, and literature, highlighting its historical importance to the nation and the Navy.