CoastieChicks.net
:: Boston, MA - Jenny
Station/Boat Location~
USCGC SENECA(270')

Date there~
2003-2006

Weather~
You will experience all four seasons in New England. Of course, many joke that there is one really long winter and a brief summer. The foliage in the fall is beautiful and the temperature is usually comfortable cool into October. Sometime the snow starts as early as October. Some areas experience a "mud season" in and around February-April. The spring can be very rainy and range in temperature from the 40's to the 80's. The summers can be as hot as they are cold. The average temp in the summer is probably 75 degrees or so--maybe even 78 on average. The winters are full of snow and ice for the most part. Be sure to have a lot of warm clothes, boots and a shovel. :)

Military facilities~
The USCG base in Boston is small. Parking is scarce and sometimes hard to find if all of the three 270s are in port. There is a commissary at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA.
There is housing in the area, but not in Boston itself.
There is an exchange on the base at 427 Commercial Street in Boston. There is also a USO office there and all hands club called "Coastie Joe's Cafe".

Medical~
This is from the Seneca website:
The Coast Guard Cutter SENECA operates a small sickbay, which consists of one Health Services Technician under the supervision of the ISC Health Services Clinic Senior Medical Officer. The HS is responsible for the overall health and well being of the crew. He/She will provide routine health care, schedule all medical/dental appointments, and act as the health benefits advisor for the command.
While inport the ships HS is supported by the ISC Medical Clinic, which is staffed with one Physician, one Physicians Assistant, one Dentist, one Hygienist, and 12 Health Services Technicians. The clinic also has a full service pharmacy. There is no duty HS available after working hours.
At the present time dependant care is not offered at the Clinic. Dependants are encouraged to enroll in TRICARE Prime or Brighten Marine USFHP.
While inport the sick bay hours are 0700-1300. For after hour emergencies you may go to the local emergency room. While underway the HS is available 24 hours.
ISC Boston Clinic phone number is 617-223-3121
TRICARE North is a popular choice for dependants. There is also Martin's Point.

Housing~
The housing is located in:
South Weymouth, Hull, Wakefield, and other surrounding areas, though these are the most often heard of.
People who choose to live on the economy are eligible for BAH.

Shopping~
There is plenty of shopping to be had in and around Boston. Massachusetts sales tax is 5%.
New Hampshire is not a far drive and has no sales tax. There are outlets in Massachusetts, specifically Wrentham Village Outlets off of Route 495. However, I recommend, making the trip to Tilton, New Hampshire for the Tilton Outlets or shopping in and around Nashua, NH. You could also visit Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME for some other great outlets.

Child Care/Schools~
There is no military child care on or around the base in Boston. However, you can contact Hanscom AFB. They have a Child Development Center. The number is (781) 377-1279. Before and after school age care is available at most schools in the community.
Hanscom also has a New Parent Support Program. Bundles for baby classes are held on a regular basis. Information can be obtained at the Hanscom Family Support Center at 781-377-4222.

Adult Schools~
Massachusetts, and Boston in particular, are known for the wealth of colleges and universities. Boston College, Boston University, UMASS, Bunker Hill Community College, Wellesley, Babson, etc.

Fun Activities~
Boston has so much to do in the way of history. You can walk the Freedom Trail, visit historical sites and take tours. There are also Duck Tours, the swan boats, Boston Common, skating in the winter on the frog pond, and so much more.
Six Flags is about 2 1/2 hours west of the city on the Mass Pike in Agawam, MA. Canobie Lake in New Hampshire is about 45 minutes north of Boston. Hampton Beach and other great beaches in New Hampshire is about an hour north of Boston as well. Quebec is about 4-6 hours north. Cape Cod is about an hour south. There is so much to do, I couldn't possibly post it all here.

Homeport MA

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