The buses were loaded and students were making their way to various parts of the country as a mass exodus was in full effect for Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes, Dec. 18.

More than 4,000 TSC Sailors departed Naval Station (NAVSTA) Great Lakes in the early morning hours, bound for local airports and highways leading home.

"We send them out safely across the country to all the various places to spend time with their families and get some well-deserved leave," said TSC Command Master Chief CMDCM (SW/AW) Jeffery A. Kirby. "I like to come down and bid them off."

Kirby travelled with the buses to Chicago's Midway Airport, while TSC Executive Officer Cmdr. Katie Milligan watched Sailors depart from O'Hare Airport in Chicago.

"Four thousand of them getting on airplanes today, it's awesome," Kirby said.

Each year, students enrolled at various 'A' and 'C' schools, as well as TSC staff members, are permitted a two-week leave period to spend the holiday season with friends and family. For many students, this will be the first time they have seen their family since boot camp graduation.

"I'm looking forward to some home-cooked food and the beach," said Fire Controlman Seaman Ian Connorveil, who last saw his family in person 12 months ago in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit http://www.navy.mil/.