By Alvin Plexico
Navy Office of Community Outreach
GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.
Seaman Jonas Wesley, a native of Spring Valley, California, is currently stationed at NSGL as a student with Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). Wesley graduated from Steele Canyon High School in 2021 and joined the Navy ten months ago.
“After two semesters of college, I realized that I didn’t have the discipline and drive to complete my degree,” said Wesley. “My mom suggested joining the military, and my grandpa was an engineman in the Navy, so this influenced my decision to explore the military as a career option.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Spring Valley.
“Growing up in the San Diego area, I learned how to talk with ease with people from all different backgrounds,” said Wesley. “The Navy is no different because we also have people from many different backgrounds.”
During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watch standing, and small arms marksmanship.
NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.
Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe.
Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about the Navy is the people,” said Wesley. “They’ve helped me and motivated me to learn all I can. Without their camaraderie and support, I would not be where I am today.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Wesley serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Joining the Navy marked a new chapter in my life,” said Wesley. “Throughout my childhood, I saw memorabilia from my grandpa’s time in the Navy, and now I have the opportunity to continue that tradition of military service.”
Wesley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom and my grandparents are my driving force,” added Wesley. “My grandpa especially left a mark on my life. He was my main father figure and always shared his sea stories with me and told me about the lifestyle in the military. He made me into the man I am today.”
