PIR for sailors staying in Great Lakes

[Susan06239]

Just came back from an unbelievable weekend with my son following PIR and wanted to share a few tips.  Because he didn't have to travel to A school we were able to spend the weekend with him.  Thanks to a tip I read here weeks ago, I booked a room at the Navy Gateway Lodge which is right on base.  It was actually only a parking lot between his ship and our lodge.  A short walk to pick him up.  He could go between us and his new ship to unpack as he wanted.  No driving and waiting at gate.  A nice restaurant right next door.  We were able to move around the base and become a little familiar with his new surroundings (like the Navy exchange where we bought all the things he now needed) We booked a suite with kitchenette for 55.00 a night.  Very clean and comfortable.  Also, if you are staying for the weekend and want to leave base but not hit up the concrete jungle of a shopping plaza, check out Libertyville, quick ten minute ride.  Nice downtown for window shopping with some really nice eateries!  My son is there through February and I am hoping to do the trip one more time.  You will need to fill out a form via email to pass security clearance to stay on base.  Very worth it if you are there for the weekend.  Enjoy your visit.

[Zig's Mom - carmen47 14/307]

thank you for the info.  booked a rev at the Ramada but prefer to stay in one of these. but  i do have a question if i book a room at the navy gateway lodge can i stay till Saturday . even if my son fly out on Friday. 

[lemonelephant]

Your Sailor will most likely fly out in the wee hours of Saturday morning or sometime Saturday, not on Friday. Yes, you will be able to check out Saturday or Sunday regardless of when he flies out. (See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend.)

[Disy (Ship12Div371)]

Susan - did you know beforehand that your sailor was getting the whole weekend or did you only find out after graduation?

[lemonelephant]

Disy,since your future Sailor has a contract for one of the AV ratings (she find out if it is AE or AT after her initial training), she will most likely fly out to "A" School the day after PIR.  See PIR Day and Liberty During PIR Weekend to help you know how to plan your weekend when the time comes. The Rating Information card for AV can be found at https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/av.pdf. Join Avionics Technicians (AV) Moms, Sailors In Pensacola, FL For A School....Corry Station too!!, and Parents of A School Sailors in Pensacola and check out Airman Family and Friends.

[Susan06239]

I found that since he was staying at GL and school was starting on Monday he would most likely be off.  I actually think I learned that here!  Turned out to be true.

I think he confirmed that for me.

[ChellyMay]

Thank you for that information. That is very helpful!

[funparklady Ship14 Div318]

Do you have to be in the military to book a room here?

[lemonelephant]

Your recruit (later Sailor) can be your sponsor, so, no, you do not have be in the military.

The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located on the main part of the base, about 1.5 miles from RTC. Go to http://ngis.dodlodging.net/propertys/Great-Lakes or call 877-NavyBed (877-628-9233). Your recruit/Sailor can be your sponsor if you do not have a military or dependent ID, but everyone 18 years old and over must have a background check, so be sure to make your reservations about 4 weeks before PIR to give time for the background check. They will begin taking reservations by phone 30 days before PIR or you can make reservations online about 6 weeks before PIR. There are restrictions on where you can go on base without your Sailor being with you. Taxis and shuttles pick up and drop off at the gate, so it is better if you have a vehicle if staying at the Gateway Inn and Suites. It is also important to note that Standard and Suite rooms are located 1/4 mile from check in desk. If your Sailor will be staying at GL for "A" School or training, s/he may have to get a deviation chit in order to visit you there. (Some have indicated that their Sailors did not have to have the deviation chit to visit during PIR weekend, but that they would need one at other times, so the TSC may have changed the policy on this. It is better for your Sailor to know of the possibility than to not have one and need it.) There are standard rooms, rooms with a kitchen, and suites. All rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wifi. A continental breakfast is available.

The Navy Lodge is located 1.9 miles off base from RTC in the Forestal Village Housing area and guests of graduation are allowed to stay there since your recruit/Sailor will be your sponsor. Go to https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=05 or call [phone]. All rooms are non-smoking. They also have some family suites that include a kitchen as well as some rooms with kitchenettes. You can also book adjoining rooms if needed. All of the rooms, with the exception of some of the ADA rooms, have two queen beds. All rooms include direct TV and DVD, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wifi. They offer cribs and rollaway beds if needed at no additional charge. They have a breakfast to go that you can take with you to PIR and will soon be offering a continental breakfast. There is a picnic area available if guests choose to have a cookout. The Navy Lodge permits pets. Taxis can drive to the Navy Lodge if you don't have your own transportation.

[terriopt ship 13 div 322]

Thanks for the clarification between Navy Lodge and Navy Gateway Inn & Suites!

[lemonelephant]

You are very welcome.

[ChellyMay]

Not for the graduation. The Navy Lodge makes an except for Recruits families. My room was $66/night. 

[AZNavymom]

My son will also be staying in GL for A school (in late Sept or early Oct), so this is all very helpful info. Thanks to all who posted on here.