Hey, does any of you navy types have any info on Great Lakes? My next assignment will take me there for about 3 years it looks like, which will finish my career out. The Army actually has a Command there. Other than being close to Chicago and being able to see lots of sports, I am not sure what the draw is. I visited there way back in '83 when my cousin graduated from boot camp there. I am sure the winters will be lovely.

No idea, but Chicago is awesome!

With the exception of passing through the airport, I have not spent any time in Chicago, but I am looking forward to the sports venues there. My new position will require quite a bit of traveling, but I do want to take in the sights and experience all I can in that part of the country. Illinois is not very gun friendly, but from what I have read on the internet, they will pretty much leave out of state residents alone unless you are doing something pretty stupid. Hopefully they have a decent range on the base. If not I guess I will have to find a gun club.

Cold AF. That's what pretty much everyone in the Navy remembers about Great Lakes.

There's a train you can take from the base to downtown Chicago and you can drink on it. That was awesome when I was there and we weren't allowed to have cars.

Libertyville has some cool bars. There is a restaurant there called Mickey Finn's that brews their own beer. It is pretty good.

I also enjoyed all the museums in Chicago and bar hopping around Wrigley Field.

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Hey, does any of you navy types have any info on Great Lakes? My next assignment will take me there for about 3 years it looks like, which will finish my career out. The Army actually has a Command there. Other than being close to Chicago and being able to see lots of sports, I am not sure what the draw is. I visited there way back in '83 when my cousin graduated from boot camp there. I am sure the winters will be lovely.

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My mom lives in Mundelein. It's not in a bad area. Suburbia.

I dont usually chime in on threads here, but my brother did basic, a school, and was an instructor at the gas turbine school there....anything specific you want to know?

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I dont usually chime in on threads here, but my brother did basic, a school, and was an instructor at the gas turbine school there....anything specific you want to know?

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Ag, just curious as to what all there is to do around there without having to go into Chicago to find anything fun to do. I do not know if I will be able to get housing on base, so I am interested in what good housing would cost (rental) and what the utilities run up there, especially in the winter. Just the normal things. I would appreciate any insight if you are willing to give it. Never been around the navy, so I am sure that will be different.

Chicago is awesome. I am a civilian, so I have can not speak about the facility. Summers are wonderful in Chicago. Great Lakes in Lake County and the North Shore suburbs. These are some of the most affluent areas in the US. Lots of very nice public golf courses nearby. Also an easy train ride tp all of the fun in Chicago. An afternoon at The Friendly Confines is a bucket list stop. Also you can head north across the Cheddar Curtain to Milwaukee.

The Chicagoland A&M club has watch parties for all Aggie football games at The Pony in Lakeview.

Agree with h1Ag...it can be bitterly cold there as it is right on the lake and winter weather temps coupled with moisture off the lake makes the wind cut straight thru. Make sure you have good foul weather gear that is also warm! When I stepped off the plane from San Antonio to report for boot camp in FEB72, the temp was -3 F with chill factor of -13 F...three days later when we finally got our wool uniforms (including Pea Coats), the temp was -13 F with chill factor of -69 F! Word to the wise - stay clear of trees and building eaves because falling icicles can be deadly! Just sayin'.
Lots to see in Chicago and in Waukegan as well. Enjoy your tour.
Lee72
CAPT USN (Ret)