Welcome Aboard the USCGC SPENCER (WMEC 905)
Cutter Address
Commanding Officer
USCGC SPENCER (WMEC-905)
4000 Coast Guard Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23703-2199
Phone: (757) 483-8784
Base Security: (757) 483-5886
Where to report:
When reporting for duty, arrive in the uniform of the day. If the cutter is underway, report to Base Support Unit (BSU) Portsmouth. The Officer of the Day will process your paperwork. Ask the base security guard for directions when you arrive at the front gate to BSU.
Flying into Norfolk
There are a number of transportation means available from Norfolk International Airport. The most convenient is airport limo service (Groome Transportation 757-857-1231). For $10.00 to $15.00, they will bring you to BSU Portsmouth. There is a Navy representative on duty at the Airport Information booth to assist you. They have information on all of the Armed Services bases in the Hampton Roads area and are available from 0730 to 0000 daily.
Driving to BSU Portsmouth
From Interstate 64, take the exit for 164 towards Portsmouth, Norfolk. Take the Cedar Lane exit and turn to the left. Immediately after crossing over the highway, turn right onto Coast Guard Boulevard and continue approximately 1.2 miles to the front gate of BSU Portsmouth.
Tidewater Area
The Tidewater area of Virginia is rich with family living that boasts a very active military community. The Tidewater area is comprised of the cities of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach. The area offers a myriad of communities ranging from classic colonial to ultra modern. The area also offers a wide selection of family services, outstanding medical facilities, and opportunities for higher education form institutions such as Old Dominion University, Hampton University, and Tidewater Community College.
Commanding Officer Message
Best time to contact your sponsor will vary depending on Spencer's in port time, However, when in port, Spencer's crew can best be contacted between the hours of 0700 and 1300, Mon-Thurs. When reporting aboard, the appropriate uniform will be trops. If you are arriving while Spencer is away from Portsmouth, you may contact the OOD at Base Portsmouth.
For many "salty" sailors reporting on board a 270 is just another opportunity to return to the cherished wild blue. For sailors who have never had the pleasure of serving on a deep-water vessel, there are many surprises and adventures awaiting you. Life on board a 270 can appear isolated, but you will find an opportunity to share a fellowship with many like-minded shipmates, who all strive to do the Coast Guard's missions at sea. When first reporting on board, you'll receive training in Basic Damage Control. This training will consist of many classes and trips to various Naval Training Centers, such as the "USS BUTTERCUP" damage control trainer and the Basic Shipboard Fire Fighting School in Newport, RI. Through this training, you will become confident in your ability to stand together with your shipmates to ensure the safety of the ship. While you are completing your Damage Control PQS, you will also be required to qualify in a watch station. Specific watch station qualifications will vary according to your rate and rank. The average time it will take to complete all of your PQS requirements will range between four to six months. When you have completed your basic qualifications, you will have the opportunity to pursue other qualifications. Other qualifications can include Boarding Officer (BO) or Boarding Team Member (BTM), small boat engineer, rescue swimmer, flight deck crew, and many more. Shipboard life is not all work and studying, though. During holiday routine, you are free to pursue other hobbies such as playing an instrument or fishing off the fantail. Many shipmates also enjoy kicking back and watching the Ship's Direct TV satellite TV system or working out in our ship's gym, which includes a variety of weights and cardio equipment. Shipboard life will be demanding, but you will also find that it is an experience you'll remember and share for the rest of your life.