Mayor Rockingham Recognizes Navy Captain Stephen Yargosz for Distinguished Service and Community Leadership

At the September 21, 2026, North Chicago City Council meeting, Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. recognized United States Navy Captain Stephen Yargosz for 27 years of distinguished service to our nation and for his significant contributions to the North Chicago community.

Captain Yargosz has served with distinction as an officer in the United States Navy and, since October 2023, has served as Commanding Officer of Naval Station Great Lakes—the largest military installation in the State of Illinois and home to the United States Navy’s only Recruit Training Command.

Naval Station Great Lakes and the City of North Chicago share a unique and historic relationship. For generations, sailors, military families, veterans, civilian employees, and North Chicago residents have contributed to the economic, civic, educational, and cultural life of the community.

During the City Council meeting, Mayor Rockingham highlighted Captain Yargosz’s commitment to strengthening that longstanding relationship. Throughout his more than two decades of military service, Captain Yargosz has recognized the importance of strong partnerships among the United States Navy, the City of North Chicago, Lake County, educational institutions, elected officials, and community organizations.

Captain Yargosz provided important leadership in strengthening the partnership among the Navy, the City of North Chicago, and Lake County concerning the future of Halsey Village. His efforts helped advance an innovative intergovernmental approach to the demolition and environmental remediation of the long-neglected property.

“The partnership surrounding Halsey Village represents an extraordinary example of federal, county, and municipal governments working together to address a longstanding challenge and create the possibility for future housing, economic development, neighborhood investment, and expanded opportunities for the residents of North Chicago and Lake County,” Mayor Rockingham said.

Mayor Rockingham also recognized Captain Yargosz for his advocacy on behalf of military families and the educational needs of children connected to Naval Station Great Lakes. This included his participation and leadership in the development and opening of the new Forrestal Elementary School in North Chicago—an important investment in the future of military-connected students and the broader community.

Mayor Rockingham presented Captain Yargosz with a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing his service and contributions to the community.

The proclamation stated, in part, that “Captain Yargosz’s tenure at Naval Station Great Lakes exemplified the highest ideals of military service, leadership, stewardship, cooperation, and commitment to the public good.” It further recognized his professionalism, accessibility, and commitment to collaboration, noting that his leadership has helped strengthen the longstanding bond between Naval Station Great Lakes and the City of North Chicago.

“The City of North Chicago expresses its sincere appreciation to Captain Yargosz for strengthening the partnership between the United States Navy and the City of North Chicago and for his commitment to the welfare of sailors, military families, students, residents, and the entire North Chicago community,” Mayor Rockingham concluded.