My son is about to report in to his first assignment on board a medium endurance cutter.  I am looking around the site and appreciate reading the comments shared by others.  From what I've read online it looks like his cutter is at sea 55 days at a time.  I know if I just sit tight, the answers to all of my questions will unfold.  I am wondering - will he have cell phone reception, Internet access?  Do they get mail at sea?  How long are the at sea as opposed to being in port somewhere.

Internet access, but no cell phones. You can get mail, but it takes a while to go through the FPO addresses. Generally, the ship will be out 1-2 weeks before stopping in a port somewhere.

Welcome lonestarmom...your son is going to have a blast and a journey of a life time, we wish him well.

Welcome aboard Lonestar... I'm going out on a limb here, Texas? I lived in Ft Worth, near Saginaw if you are from the DFW area. I'm in Wisconsin now but hoping to return to Texas soon! Let us know if you have any other questions. My son just came off the Seneca in Boston, a WMEC. He is headed to the Midgett next, that's a WHEC. It's all really exciting. We'll be happy to help, if we can.

People tend to love those medium endurance cutters, so hopefully he has a blast! Any other questions, ask. And welcome

Yes @ Texas!  I know several folks heading to Midgett!!  Hope you're able to make it back to the great Lonestar state...but, at least it's nice and cool in Wisconsin!!

That is wonderful to know - thank you for the info!!

It is anything but nice or cool in Wisconsin. It was hotter here yesterday than in Ft Worth. Wisconsin is a brutal state for temperature swings... and I lived in Alaska for 10 years. I'm ready to be back in Texas.