REDCOM Great Lakes

REDCOM Great Lakes -Official- Providing full time support of the Navy Reserve through oversight of 14 NRCs in 8 states

Ready, …
–- Medical/Dental readiness is key, but more than just clearing the hard-holds for mobilization.
–- Knowing our people and their capabilities.
–- Talking to families and employers about service in the Navy Reserve. And Engaged!
–- Reporting for duty to active-duty supported commands.
–- Communicating with AC counterparts.
–- Leaning forward, but well-balanced. The Veterans/Military

Crisis Line is there for Service member, Veterans, and their families. They are there to help and can be reached three ways;
-Call: 988 and press 1
-Text: Send a message to 838255 or VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
-Website: VeteransCrisisLine.net

The 988 Life line is a national network of local crisis centers. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to peopke insuicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
-Call: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
-For Text Telephone (TTY) users: Use your perferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
-Website: https://988lifeline.org
-Chat: Text with a Crisis Line responder - Send a text message to 838255

Navy Reserve History: Ready Then. Ready Now.When the Federal Naval Reserve was established in 1915, it was built around ...
04/29/2026

Navy Reserve History: Ready Then. Ready Now.

When the Federal Naval Reserve was established in 1915, it was built around a simple but vital idea: the nation needed trained Sailors who could answer the call when needed. That call came quickly. On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I, marking the Navy Reserve’s first major wartime test.

At the start of America’s involvement in the war, the Naval Reserve Force had about 8,000 Sailors. By the end of the war, more than 250,000 reservists were serving, making up more than half of the Navy’s wartime force. These Sailors filled critical roles across the fleet and ashore, helping the Navy meet the demands of a global conflict and proving the value of a ready Reserve force.

More than a century later, that legacy continues through today’s Navy Reserve Sailors. Across the force, reservists bring civilian experience, military training and operational readiness to support fleet operations, mobilizations, crisis response and mission requirements close to home.

From World War I to today, the mission has endured: be ready, answer the call and serve when the nation needs us.

Ready then. Ready now.

Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Great Lakes proudly recognized outstanding members of the team on...
03/18/2026

Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Great Lakes proudly recognized outstanding members of the team on March 12, 2026. Capt. Kerri Chase presented Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Austin Gibbs and Lt. Cmdr. Marcelo Rodriguez each with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, while Mrs. Shelly Robertson received a Letter of Commendation for her dedicated service and contributions to the command. We will miss Lt. Cmdr. Rodriguez, but we are grateful that he will remain in the region, and we wish him continued success in his next assignment. Hooyah Navy!

From all of us at REDCOM Great Lakes: Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂Today we pause to give thanks for our Sailors, civilians, fam...
11/27/2025

From all of us at REDCOM Great Lakes: Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂
Today we pause to give thanks for our Sailors, civilians, families, and the communities who support us. To those standing the watch at sea, in the air, and ashore—thank you for keeping our Navy Reserve ready.

Wishing our entire REDCOM Great Lakes family a safe, restful, and happy Thanksgiving. 🦃

It is with heavy hearts that we at REDCOM Great Lakes say farewell to Command Master Chief Fitz. From the mentorship you...
11/21/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we at REDCOM Great Lakes say farewell to Command Master Chief Fitz. From the mentorship you provided our junior Sailors and the Chiefs Mess to the positive attitude and steady leadership that kept our command on course, you have left a lasting mark on this team. Your contributions will be felt here for years to come and you will be greatly missed.

Fair winds and following seas, CMC Fitz. 🌊⚓️

This Week in Navy History: USS Nautilus (SSN-571) commissioned — Sept. 30, 1954.Seventy-one years ago this week, the wor...
09/22/2025

This Week in Navy History: USS Nautilus (SSN-571) commissioned — Sept. 30, 1954.
Seventy-one years ago this week, the world’s first nuclear-powered warship joined the Fleet at Groton, CT. With Cmdr. Eugene P. Wilkinson in command, Nautilus marked the beginning of a new era in undersea warfare—trading frequent snorkeling for weeks-long, high-speed submerged endurance. Just months later, on Jan. 17, 1955, she cast off lines and famously signaled: “UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER.”

U.S. Navy || Naval History & Heritage Command || Navy Reserve ||COMSUBPAC

⚓🇺🇸 This Week in Navy History: Hospitalman John E. “Jackie” KilmerBorn August 15, 1930 in Highland Park, Illinois, Kilme...
08/12/2025

⚓🇺🇸 This Week in Navy History: Hospitalman John E. “Jackie” Kilmer

Born August 15, 1930 in Highland Park, Illinois, Kilmer enlisted in the Navy on August 16, 1947, just a day after his 17th birthday, leaving high school behind to serve his country. After Corps School in San Diego, he became a Hospitalman and reenlisted in 1951 to continue his service during the Korean War.

Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Kilmer demonstrated exceptional valor in the Battle of Bunker Hill on August 12–13, 1952. Despite mortal wounds, he repeatedly moved through intense enemy mortar, artillery, and sniper fire to attend to the wounded. When another Marine was hit, Kilmer shielded him with his own body, saving that Marine’s life while sacrificing his own.

He was just two days shy of his 22nd birthday when he was killed. For this selfless act, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, presented to his mother at the Pentagon on June 18, 1953.

His legacy endures:

USS John E. Kilmer (DDG-134), an Arleigh Burke–class guided-missile destroyer, was named in his honor in 2019.

Annual memorial ceremonies are held at his gravesite in San José Burial Park, San Antonio, where hospital corpsmen and students lay wreaths, salute, and conduct Final Roll Calls.

John E. Kilmer’s courage, compassion, and ultimate sacrifice continue to embody the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy—he gave his life so another might live.

⚓🇺🇸 Friends, Family, & Fun!This year’s Friends & Family Day had it all—hot chow, fierce corn hole battles, and plenty of...
08/11/2025

⚓🇺🇸 Friends, Family, & Fun!

This year’s Friends & Family Day had it all—hot chow, fierce corn hole battles, and plenty of Navy pride. Shipmates and their loved ones came together to relax, compete, and build the kind of camaraderie that keeps our crew ready for anything.

Off-duty or on-mission, we’re one team, one fight.

🎉 Welcome Aboard, CMDCM (IW) Benjamin D. Kohm! ⚓️I am thrilled to announce that Command Master Chief Benjamin D. Kohm ha...
08/05/2025

🎉 Welcome Aboard, CMDCM (IW) Benjamin D. Kohm! ⚓️

I am thrilled to announce that Command Master Chief Benjamin D. Kohm has been selected to relief Command Master Chief Fitz as our new Senior Enlisted Leader.

CMDCM Kohm is originally from Perryville, Missouri, Master Chief Kohm enlisted in the Navy in 1999 as an intelligence specialist. He served aboard USS Bataan, deployed in support of Operation Northern Watch, and transitioned to the Navy Reserve in 2003. His assignments have taken him around the globe—from Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay to Afghanistan—supporting U.S. Special Operations Command, the 10th Special Forces Group, and multiple joint commands.

In 2023, he joined the Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) community and most recently served as Command Master Chief of Navy Reserve Center New York City.

Master Chief Kohm is a Georgetown University graduate, a Senior Enlisted Academy and CMC/COB Course alum, and a Navy Leadership Development Master MTT instructor. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (three awards), and others.

Congratulation CMDCM Kohm we’re excited for the leadership and experience you brings to the BDR!

REDCOM Great Lakes Sailor Selected for ChiefREDCOM Great Lakes congratulates Chief Select Matthew Mader, formerly Legalm...
07/29/2025

REDCOM Great Lakes Sailor Selected for Chief

REDCOM Great Lakes congratulates Chief Select Matthew Mader, formerly Legalman 1st Class, on his selection for advancement to chief petty officer.

Chief Select Mader has provided exceptional legal support throughout his Navy career and has consistently demonstrated the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment. His selection reflects his dedication, professionalism and leadership.

Selection to chief petty officer marks a significant milestone in a Sailor’s career. Chief selects are entrusted with increased responsibility, mentorship and the continued development of junior Sailors and the Navy team.

Bravo Zulu, Chief Select Mader!

This Week in Navy History:⚓ July 23, 1917 | USS Pittsburgh (Armored Cruiser No. 4)Two Sailors. One Explosion. Countless ...
07/24/2025

This Week in Navy History:

⚓ July 23, 1917 | USS Pittsburgh (Armored Cruiser No. 4)
Two Sailors. One Explosion. Countless Lives Saved.

While en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina, the armored cruiser USS Pittsburgh (Armored Cruiser No. 4) suffered an explosion in the aft 3-inch saluting casemate. Amid thick smoke, flame, and confusion, two Sailors displayed extraordinary heroism that prevented further disaster and safeguarded their ship.

Lt. Willis W. Bradley Jr., then a junior officer aboard the Pittsburgh, was knocked unconscious by the blast just as he approached the casemate. Upon regaining consciousness, Bradley crawled into the smoke-filled compartment and extinguished burning materials that threatened to ignite nearby powder charges. His decisive action prevented a potential chain reaction of explosions that could have crippled the ship.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Ora Graves, blown to the deck by the force of the explosion, quickly recovered and responded with equal courage. Seeing burning debris near additional powder stores, he extinguished the flames under dangerous conditions, halting the spread of the fire.

Their rapid and selfless actions — Bradley through determination and leadership, Graves through initiative and bravery — were instrumental in saving their ship and shipmates. Both were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism.

🎖️ “For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty… in preventing a catastrophe.” — Medal of Honor citation

📚 Learn more about these heroes and their actions at history.navy.mil

This Week in U.S. Navy History 🇺🇸John Paul Jones, one of the most legendary figures of the American Revolutionary War, d...
07/15/2025

This Week in U.S. Navy History 🇺🇸

John Paul Jones, one of the most legendary figures of the American Revolutionary War, died in Paris on July 18, 1792, at age 45. Remembered as the “Father of the American Navy,” Jones was a bold and brilliant naval commander who helped forge America’s early sea power.

Born in Scotland and raised at sea, he joined the Continental Navy during the Revolution. His fearless leadership and aggressive tactics earned him lasting fame.

His most iconic moment came in 1779 during a battle with the British frigate HMS Serapis. Aboard the battered Bonhomme Richard, Jones refused to surrender. When asked if he was ready to strike his colors, he famously replied:
“I have not yet begun to fight!”

His crew rallied and turned the tide, capturing the Serapis in one of the most legendary naval victories in U.S. history.

Jones didn’t stop there—he led daring raids along Britain’s coast and captured numerous enemy ships, boosting American morale in dark times.

Though he died abroad, his remains were recovered and now lie with honor beneath the chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

🕯️ Explore his crypt and legacy through this official virtual tour:
👉 https://www.usna.edu/Chaplains/virtualTour/crypt.php 👈



Address

520 Dewey Avenue
Great Lakes, IL
60088

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+18476884916

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