November 6, 2003
For Immediate Release

Kirk Announces Nearly $76 Million in Military Construction Appropriations for Great Lakes
Navy consults Disney to build high tech battle stations training program for recruits

Great Lakes, IL - U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) announced Thursday that the Great Lakes Naval Training Service Command will receive nearly $76 million in military construction appropriations from the Department of Defense. The money will be used to construct military barracks for recruits and also build a high tech battle stations training program that recruits must pass in order to graduate from recruit training command.

“I am dedicated to our men and women in uniform to provide them with the best training facilities before they are deployed to protect our freedom and way of life,” said Kirk. “Great Lakes is Lake County’s largest employer. New construction at the base also provides much needed job opportunities for North Chicago and Waukegan.”

These funds are part of the planned $700 million dollar renovation project of the base now underway. While much of the funds used are to build modern day barracks for our new recruits and renovation of the base, the highlight of this project is development of a high tech battle stations program providing Navy recruits with a real life training program. The Navy is consulting with Disney on the project that calls for a life size Navy ship to be built inside a four block building. Recruits will be required to perform rescue operations aboard the ship as though the ship were under attack. With the help of Disney, this battle stations program will simulate real life situations such as the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole. Recruits cannot graduate until they pass the battle stations program.

“When you think of Disney, you think of theme park attractions and rides that children love to experience,” said Kirk. At Great Lakes, the Navy will have an attraction that no child will wish to experience, but will provide our future servicemen and women with a real life experience they will remember and learn from when they are deployed to protect our freedom.”

The cost of the battle stations project will be just under $70 million with $13.2 million going towards the project this year. Appropriations for the project were not supposed to begin until 2005, but Congressman Kirk urged the Department of Defense to begin funding for battle stations this year in hopes that the program will increase Navy recruitment. The project should be completed by 2007.

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