Pearl Harbor’s Legacy

The Union League Club of Chicago is honored to host U.S. Navy Captain Steve Yargosz, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, for an illuminating keynote address that connects the profound lessons of Pearl Harbor to the challenges of modern defense preparedness. Captain Yargosz, a decorated aviator and a leader at the helm of the Navy’s largest training installation, will guide us through a compelling exploration of vigilance, strategy, and the enduring legacy of “Never Again.”

December 7, 1941, is etched in history as a day of profound tragedy and awakening. From the devastation of Pearl Harbor emerged a resolute commitment to readiness—a legacy that redefined American defense policy. Captain Yargosz will share insights into how this defining moment continues to inform our national security strategies, ensuring that future generations are prepared to meet threats with resolve and capability. Drawing upon his leadership at Naval Station Great Lakes, Captain Yargosz will also highlight Chicago’s critical role in training generations of Sailors, reinforcing the bond between the Midwest and the Navy.

As we honor those who sacrificed at Pearl Harbor, this luncheon challenges us to look forward. The refrain of “Never Again” is not just a tribute to the past but a mandate for the future—a commitment to vigilance, intelligence, and preparedness as cornerstones of our nation’s security.

This event will offer both a poignant remembrance and a forward-looking perspective on the responsibilities we share as citizens committed to defending the principles of democracy.

Cost: $44.00 | Dress Code: Smart Casual

Reserve your seat today for an event that promises to inspire and inform. Together, let us reflect on history while steadfastly preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

Captain Steve Yargosz

Commanding Officer

Naval Station, Great Lakes

Captain Stephen M. Yargosz is a native of North Webster, Indiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University in 1998. He commissioned through Officer Candidate School and completed Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer training in 1999.

Operationally, Captain Yargosz served in Fighter Squadron (VF) 143 as a Material Control Officer deploying on USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69) and USS John F Kennedy (CV-67) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In December 2002, he was selected for lateral transfer/resignation and completed flight school in October 2004. Following flight school, he served with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 4 deploying three times with the Black Knights onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). As a department head with the Red Wolves of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 84, he deployed four times to Iraq where he flew over 120 combat missions in support of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force—Arabian Peninsula. As Commanding Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 he led the Tridents through multiple Fleet Replenishment and Training Squadron carrier landing qualification support detachments, as well as detachments to fleet week in New York, exercise JADED THUNDER 19, and hurricane Dorian Bahamas disaster relief. Following command, he served as Navigator for USS George Washington (CVN-73) during the ship’s midlife Refueling and Complex Overhaul.

Ashore Captain Yargosz was a student at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia where he completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I and received a master’s in military science. He served as a policy analyst focused on United Nations and European drug policy while at the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Executive Office of the President, in Washington, D.C. from July 2014 to January 2017. He completed JPME Phase II at the Joint Forces Staff College in 2020.

Captain Yargosz has over 2,500 flight hours. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Strike/Flight Air Medal (10), Navy Commendation Medal (2), and Navy Achievement Medal (2).

Host or Publisher Union League Club of Chicago