I wouldn't sell yourself short and I definitely would not place too much stock in the Pro's Nest & WTII am not at the top competitive level with my WTI, VP-30 brethren. Sweating has begun...Pickle
Good advice here. There are unique, ship-specific opportunities that can help break you out from the crowd on the CVN. My CO on TR, asked me to be the AT/FP Action Officer Instructor (a position he wanted for all the RL designators that would be standing AT/FP watch on the bridge while in port). This turned out to be a great opportunity for me personally, and helped train all the RL folks on what hostile intent/act, use of deadly force, etc meant while in port. BL - don't accept that just because your doing your dis-assoc tour like everyone else, that you can't break-out. You have to be hungry and you have to be looking. My .02cPickle,
The boat is a tiebreaker. There are some dudes who can go there and break out (mostly FOs) prior to the board and that's great. Most won't. Same with your O-4 fitrep there. Most leave with one competitive look and it's usually a P or maybe a MP. I wouldn't sweat it just because there are tons of other guys in your same situation. Unless you can get there early and get into a job that is going to make you shine (ops admin, a strike, anav) there isn't any point in gaming it. With the abysmal selection rates this year, I would keep one foot in the door and one outside poking around to see what else is out there. FTS, SELRES, etc, are all great options.