Navy Boot Camp Mailing Address

Once your recruit ships out, mail is the only way to reach them until graduation week. Here's the official address format straight from Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, every ship's street address, and what you can actually send.

Official Ship Addresses at RTC Great Lakes

Per Recruit Training Command's own FAQ, these are the generic street addresses for each ship. Combine one of these with your recruit's specific SHIP and DIV number.

Ship 17 also houses recruits in separation processing or the Recruit Convalescent Unit, so an address at this ship doesn't necessarily mean setback or dismissal — ask your recruit directly if you're unsure.

Example Address

SR DOE, JOHN R
SHIP 7 DIV 341
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
3405 SAILOR DRIVE
GREAT LAKES IL 60088-3401

How Long Does Mail Take?

RTC Great Lakes says a standard USPS letter typically takes 5 to 10 business days, plus roughly one more day for internal sorting and delivery to the recruit's ship. Add extra buffer during winter months, when severe weather around Great Lakes can slow things down. Letters sometimes cross in the mail, so if your recruit writes that they haven't heard from you yet, there's a good chance your letter is already on its way.

What You Can — and Can't — Send

Barracks storage is limited, so recruits may only receive letters and small photographs. Do not send:

• Civilian clothing or shoes (unless specifically requested for an approved reason, like RTC-compliant running shoes mailed per your recruit's request)
• Toiletries or personal care items
• Food of any kind
• Anything meant to be taken orally — including cough drops, water flavoring packets, or any medicine

None of it will be delivered to your recruit, so save the care package for after graduation. See our gifts for your Sailor guide for ideas that are actually useful once they're home or checked into A-School.

Emergency Contact

For a genuine family emergency (death or serious illness of a family member, birth of a child), go through the American Red Cross rather than the mail — they can relay time-sensitive messages to RTC on your behalf. See RTC's official Contacting Recruits FAQ for the current process.

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