Deployments ???

[Gabe2surf]

How soon after you get to your operational squadron can you deploy(after completing FRS)? Lets say you miss all the work ups, can you still deploy or can you only pick from squadrons that are not deploying right away when you're done with UPT?

Also, how easy/difficult is it to switch from helos/props to jets after your first tour?

 

[Gabe2surf]

Thanks Matt. One more question for you or anyone. When picking squadrons that are available, are you given info on these squadron's deployment cycles and where they are currently in those cycles or is that something you have to research on your own?

 

[EA-6B1]

There hasn't been a topic like this in a while. What's the current deployment length that some of you bubbas are hearing? I know it depends on the aircraft you select, but should one still plan to expect atleast one deployment in his first tour?

 

[Fred]

My husbands squadron had 2 new pilots check in about 6-7 weeks before they left on cruise last year.... both deployed with the squadron. I don't know about other aircraft's but with Hornets you can fill out dream sheet for the coast or squadrons you would like to go to...but in the big scheme of things....you go where the Navy needs you and you don't get to pick your squadron.

Last family briefing we were told cruise would be anywhere from 5-10 months depending on the needs of the Navy. Scheduled six month cruises are pretty much a thing of the past.

Most of the JO's in my husbands squadron did at least one cruise, and several are doing two during their first tour. My husband did three in three years when he was a JO, but that was in Japan in the early 90's.

 

[Fred]

Also, other than the Japan airwing who is permanently attached to the Kitty Hawk, the airwings can and do change carriers. My husband's friend deployed on the Stennins from Nov. 2001 to May 2002, they then switched carriers to the Carl Vinson...started work ups in July 02, and left for what turned out to be close to an 8mo cruise in Jan 03.