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ARRIVAL

IMPORTANT!

Drop off address:

Armed Forces Bank

2819 Spaulding Street

Great Lakes IL 60088

Where to Report;

  • The training itself is aboard RTC Great Lakes. You will drop your Cadet at the Armed Forces Bank, 2819 Spaulding Street, Great Lakes IL 60088 and we will transport your Cadet Recruits onto the base     

                           

      YOU WILL NOT ENTER THE BASE ON INTAKE DAY. 

  • Airport Express Shuttle arrivals
    • If cadets are arriving via the shuttle, the only drop-off point is the parking lot of the Naval Station Main Gate Visitors Center. We will have a shuttle circling the Main Gate Visitor's Center parking lot to collect and transport Cadet Recruits arriving via the Airport Express Shuttle. Please ensure that you have communicated with us all your cadets' flight details.

  • CHECKING-IN

  • 23 JUN 23 between 1400-1500. The base is in the Central Time Zone. Intake ends at 1500. Traffic happens, and delays happen.. we understand. However, please plan for these to ensure you arrive at the designated time and place. (Those travelling by car note, Chicago traffic is heavy and slow going whatever time of day you travel).

  • Please try to time flights to arrive in Chicago O'Hare late morning. If you are driving your cadet to training, there are several places to stop and eat before you arrive. We suggest taking advantage of that as it will be some time before they get their next meal. If your cadet is flying to the training, instruct them to eat before leaving the security area. 

  • It is prohibited for Cadet recruits and Staff Cadets from driving vehicles to RTC. This includes driving a vehicle and parking it for the duration, not allowed.​​

How to Report

  • Report in appropriate civilian clothes. We suggest jeans/shorts, a T-shirt and wearing your PT sneakers so you don't have to pack them in your seabag.

  • You must have your "Valid" Sea Cadet ID card.

  • You must have your travel Service Record. Pack your service record and medication on the top of your seabag (the last item to go in the seabag) so our staff can easily retrieve it during intake. Otherwise, your seabag will need to be emptied onto the deck so we can retrieve the records.

  • Have your orders on top such that when our admin staff opens the service record, that's what they see first.

  • If the cadet is flying home without a parent or other adults who will attend graduation, please write "AIR TRAVEL" on the top of the orders so our staff can flag your cadet as flying home solo and proper preparation can take place on our end.

  • Service Records will be returned home with the individual cadet. We cannot accommodate requests for special handling of service records.

  • You must have a seabag packed with all the required items listed on the seabag list.

  • Escort officers/parents should not leave until we have notified them their Cadet Recruits are fully checked in.​

  • Escort officers accompanying groups of cadets should​ distribute the individual service records to cadets' PRIOR to boarding the bus or van. 

Travel Guidelines for Flyers

  

  • Time flights for cadets to arrive at the base during the arrival window between 1400 and 1500. It is better to arrive a little early versus late. The shuttle ride is approx 45 mins.

  • Click on the link for the Express Shuttle below. Useful information for calculating drive/shuttle times to the base from the airport can also be found there.
    • Follow signs to baggage claim to retrieve your seabag.

    • We suggest eating and calling home to inform parents that you have arrived safely.​

    • Locate the pickup point at the airport for the Express Shuttle. Find this location at the airport way ahead of time so you will not panic when time is short. Arrive at the pickup point at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

    • Confirm the shuttle is going to Great Lakes Naval Station.

  • Parents - Please also brief your cadets on how they will get home. No need to let them stress over these details while training all week. 
  • Make sure, there is a copy of the travel itinerary in the service record.

  • We do not provide transportation to or from RTC Great Lakes.

  • If you designate your cadet as an unaccompanied minor with the airline, an adult is required to meet the traveller at the gate. Since we cannot meet this requirement, your cadet will be stuck at the airport until you arrive to retrieve them. We cannot accommodate cadets travelling "UNACCOMPANIED MINOR".        

 

  • Do not plan to arrive at Midway Airport. Midway is much further south and traffic will be bad. There is no Shuttle Service from Midway and a taxi would be costly. 

  • Refundable airfare or appropriate travel insurance is highly recommended. Events that are outside of our control can change or cancel our training. A small insurance fee is a good investment.

  • Flying Home. Cadets should not book flights home that depart before 1400 on Sunday 02 JUL 23.
    • Cadets will depart for the airport immediately after graduation. Cadets will not be allowed to wait on base for later flights. All waiting for flights will be at the airport.
    • If you are arranging for pickup, Airport Express Shuttle or otherwise.. book it for noon.

    • The USO is an outstanding organization, but its volunteers may not handle a large influx of cadets. If you experience a serious issue during travel, by all means, go to the USO. Otherwise, simply pass through security and wait at your gate. Relax, but listen for any gate change information they may announce.​

    • This is a good time to check in with your parents.​ Chicago O'hare Airport: Seriously.. don't fly into any other airport.​

  • Check with your airlines to see what their policy is regarding age limits. Some airlines will allow a traveller under their minimum age to travel with someone 16 years old or older.

  • Airport Express:​

  • (http://airportexpress.hudsonltd.net/res?USERIDENTRY=SEACADET&LOGON=GO, Group Code=SEACADET) provides shuttle service from O’Hare to Great Lakes 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The fare is reasonable (check the website or call them for the current fare), and the service is extremely safe, making no stops door to door. Select the option under “Suburban Hotels/Popular Destinations” called “Great Lakes Naval Base – Visitors’ Center Main Gate.” This service can also be scheduled in advance for the return trip to O’Hare. You should book the return shuttle to the airport no earlier than noon.

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