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. 21.

More than 5,000 TSC Sailors gathered in the base Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) gym facility, Navy Exchange, National Museum of the Great Lakes and the USO waiting for buses that transported them during the early morning hours to local airports and family members to pick them up. Present were numerous TSC, Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Great Lakes and Surface Warfare Officer School Unit Great Lakes staff to assist in the process including Capt. David Dwyer, commanding officer of TSC.

"Mass Exodus never gets too old to observe,” Dwyer said. “A lot of time and effort is involved in the planning and professional execution of this annual event. Although TSC is overall responsibly for the event, it is a team effort that involves the entire NAVSTA Great Lakes team to include Personnel Support Detachment and SATO Travel office, our dedicated MWR team, various sponsors.”

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 traveling home to New Jersey for the holidays," said Electronics Technician Seaman Malik Johnson, who was last home in April. “The first thing I’m going to do is give my family a big hug. I’m also looking forward to eating some curried chicken and baked ziti.”

Operations Specialist Seaman Karina Cobarrubias also looks forward to some home cooked meals. During leave her family will be taking a vacation to Disneyland.

“What I’m most looking forward to is just hanging out with the family,” Cobarrubias said. “On Christmas Eve we usually stay up at night watching TV, listening to music and cracking jokes.”

While departing, Dwyer gave his best wishes to the students and wanted to make sure that those staying on base during the holidays remember the base amenities and that TSC staff will be on hand for them.

“To the over 5,000 students that departed ‘The Quarterdeck of the Navy’ today, Happy Holidays to you and your families,” Dwyer said. “Enjoy your much deserved time with your loved ones and friends. Be proud to be a Sailor in the United States Navy, and get back to us safely so you can complete your training and get out to the Fleet. To the 305 students that decided to remain in Great Lakes for the holidays, there are plenty of MWR events and other activities available to you. Spend your time ashore responsibly and safely, enjoy the events that are available to you, and the TSC staff is here and available to you 24/7 if you need anything.”

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

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