I'm going to agree, and expand on what Chuck said. As a 160th pilot and former NSW guy I've been on both sides of the debate. Pilot's are pilots (more or less), service is just geography. As a SEAL, we rarely could get HS to infil us in anything but the most favorable conditions (50% illum, optimal moon angle, minimal threat etc.), which coincidentally makes it optimal for Hajii as well.
For Navy helos to get down and dirty in the spec-ops effort, it'll take two things; a dedicated training effort (NVGs, feet dry, dust environment, and gunnery), and commanders willing to accept the accompanying level of risk. When I say commanders, I mean flag levels and COs. The Marines do it on a regular basis from what I've seen, but that's a mentality that's fostered in Marine helos. When we've needed extra guns on a target,we've had great success with Marine skids (reserve guys no less), and I'd take them in a heartbeat over Army 64s' and 58Ds. Also, for ground guys to realize the potential of Navy gun platforms, they will indeed need to spend some time and effort with JTACs/Joint TACPs to build credibility. As everyone knows, flying around SD and Va B. no matter how you push it won't prepare you for hot LZs in OEF/OIF. I have every belief that Navy helo pilots want to, and are capable of the task, but the commanders are holding them back. I've realized that there are two thoughts in services/pilots that claim to fly special operations; some recite a regulation that prohibits them from completing the mission, and there are those that find a way to complete the mission. It's a simple matter of "no" being easier than finding a way to say "Yes". Commanders will have to be willing to accept this responsibility.
Lastly, on an interesting note, last year NSW drafted an elaboborate proposal to absorb HCS into NSW pairing dets with NSW task units. It would've pulled HCS from NAVAIR and placed them under SOCCOM (and it's funding). This would've been a win-win. The Navy would've had a dedicated spec-ops unit (and $$), NSW could've had unlimited RW support from a unit they were intimately familiar with, and the load on Army /AF RW SOF could've been reduced in theater. Ultimately, the Navy brass and SOCCOM gave it a resounding thumbs down. The hows and whys will up to our collective deductions.
Probably more information that you all cared to hear from me. PM me if you have any ranting of your own.
Mike-