Bestfriend to girlfriend of a guy in the navy

Iv been best friend with this guy for about 4 years now. I went to Chicago to watch him graduate basic training in February. We decided to take this friendship to a new level of dating. He came in last week and he is now being deployed. I can’t talk to him while he is underway. It’s almost the same feeling as being his best friend only now the feelings are more passionate. I won’t be able to see him for the next 9 months, I miss him like crazy already. Anybody have any advice for when your boyfriend or even family member are in the military? I could use some right now.