Naval Station Great Lakes Recruits Sailors to Help Prevent Flood Damage in Gurnee

Press Release

More than 80 sailors from Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest military installation in Illinois, today placed sandbags around local businesses and buildings in the Village of Gurnee to protect the community from the rising Des Plaines River. At the Village's request, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk's (R-Ill.) office contacted Naval Station Great Lakes Commanding Officer Captain Randall Lynch earlier today and requested Navy assistance to the help prevent major flood damage.

In anticipation of potential flooding, Gurnee officials issued a flood advisory for residents and businesses located in the Des Plaines River floodplain. Gurnee is preparing for the Des Plaines River flood level to reach between 10 and 10.5 feet, which is three feet above stage level. Water levels begin limiting access to major roadways at 8.5 feet, and start threatening structures at 9 feet. The water level was reported at 7.65 feet at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

"I want to thank Captain Lynch and all of the Naval Station Great Lakes sailors who volunteered their time to help the residents of Gurnee," Senator Kirk said. "These men and women joined the greatest navy in the world to serve our nation, and today we are immeasurably grateful for their service in our community."

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