Settle down, Beavis. I'm talking about HS and HSL communities, per the quote.
Dont forget that not too long ago we had more than just those 2 communities. We had HAL in Vietnam, HCS 4 and 5 in the decades following... And while Navy helos haven't been putting a ton of ordnance downrange, (at least in ways you read about because we happen to be the worst service when it comes to our own Public relations/media), thats not to say it's not needed or hasn't happened. Just look at Gulf War 1. We had to have the Brits come in and provide SSC and security because we didn't deem it "necessary" at the time to properly arm our helos or defend ourselves. Now at least it's become obvious that there is a need, but that doesn't mean we are putting the money where it's needed or even treating it properly.
Just wait until suicide Joe is on a mission in his little boat full of explosives to die for his beliefs by killing a few US servicemembers on a big gray boat. (Cause it's sure never happened before right?) But unfortunately the powers that be dont think we really need to let the helos fly with rounds in the guns, or maybe they shouldn't fly with any ammo at all, because just having some guns hanging off the helo will be a deterrence. (Haven't heard that logic before right?) Pretty sure the fact that he's on a suicide mission means he doesn't care what the helo looks like, he's expecting to die anyway, except now we've just given him a free run at us. Or maybe its not 1 suicide Joe, it's him and his 30 friends. You think we're gonna have pointy nose aircraft airborne already? maybe launch them in time? or maybe recall them in time to stop the attack?
This kind of stupidity is still happening and logic like Brett's is part of the problem. Unfortunately it's obvious that some people dont care to listen or reexamine their beliefs and will continue on the same path...