Summer in the Field

Less than 12 months after reporting to the Academy, you may find yourself involved in your first Coast Guard mission. That’s because cadets train aboard operational Coast Guard units during the summer. Think of it as summer break with purpose.

These units are located on the east and west coasts, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and aboard ships that deploy to the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. Some cadets head to Coast Guard Air Stations to learn more about life as a pilot, while others work at Sectors, Stations, and specialized units like the Marine Safety Center in Washington, D.C.