I apologize if this seems like a dumb question, but are WSO's eligible to be assigned to E (or C?) squadrons?
I ask because I just read the following article about the new Blue Angels XO, who is an NFO
No. I'm sure it's happened on one-off weird situations, but there's no reason to assign a FO to a C or E squadron. XO of the Blues is a brand-new billet and it specifically says he won't be flying (though I'd imagine he'll occasionally ride around in the #7). Anyway, the Blues aren't a Hornet squadron. They're a special mission composite squadron that mostly flies Hornets.
The only Navy NFO assigned to a C or E squadron I am aware of was VFC-12 where I believe there are a SME for radar and BVR stuff.
The Blues XO was added after an investigation found that some inappropriate conduct in the squadron that included the CO, not sure how that will 'fix' things but I guess some folks felt they needed to do something. In addition with the Blues the Event Coordinator, #8, has traditionally been an NFO though apparently it is open to pilots now too.