New commander at Naval Station Great Lakes

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (AP) - A Kenosha, Wisconsin native and graduate of the University of Notre Dame will take the helm at the Naval Station Great Lakes during a change-of-command ceremony next week.

A Thursday statement from the navel installation north of Chicago says Capt. Jim Hawkins will relieve Capt. Bill Bulis as commanding officer. The statement says Bulis took command in 2013 during a budget-tightening period and helped make the base "a model of efficiency."

Hawkins is a 1991 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Hawkins previous service included on the "Bear Aces" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 and as navigator on the USS John C. Stennis.

Bulis is becoming the chief of staff for commander, Navy Region Northwest, in Washington state.