USS Illinois Sailors Step Up to Navy’s Recruiting Challenge

The crew of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786) successfully recruited 20 new Sailors and outperformed every other command Navy-wide for fiscal year 2024, which ended Sept. 30. Cmdr. Johannes Smith, commanding officer of Illinois, commented on his crew’s noteworthy recruiting achievement stating, “After CNO charged the fleet with winning the "War for Talent" in November 2023, the crew of USS Illinois immediately set out on a course to fight and win.” He continued, “The 786 Team fought for the next 12 months to bring in 20 new shipmates to proudly serve in the United States Navy and accomplished CNO's mission with the urgency and intensity the apex predators of the Submarine Force are known for.”