This may sound...well, stupid, but then again, this seems to be the thread for it. If, for example, I were assigned to NAS Oceana, would I actually need to have my primary residence near there? I ask because my understanding is that I would basically deploy for 6-8 months, and then I'd have a few months off before the next deployment. So I wonder if I could live in Boston (hypothetically) and then just fly into Virginia when it's time to deploy. So is that possible, or do they want you nearby between deployments?
Are you talking about doing this as a pilot assigned to a squadron? If so, there are no dumb questions (they say) but this one is close Work doesn't end because you are off cruise. I checked in to my squadron right when they got off deployment and post deployment leave. I'd say in the 13 months since then, I have averaged 10-12 hrs at work every day of the week (minus weekends), and I have flown roughly 3-5 times a week during that period. The rest is just the 3-5 ground jobs you have, plus duty once every week or two. This doesn't even include work-ups during the 9 months or so prior to the next deployment. It is more than a full time job, and if you measured your paycheck by the hour, I'm pretty sure it would be at or around minimum wage for an O-3. Just sayin
What you are asking is a little bit like asking "could I be on the starting lineup for (insert NFL team) and just show up for the super bowl?"