The 1st on LASTSHIP did the same tour.I know an S-3 guy who was an instructor at their naval academy, did DLI then a full tour there. I suppose that would be considered a PEP tour.
I'm Korean-American, and most of my relatives are still in Korea. I also like being out here because of the strategic importance of the region.
azguy, we can agree to disagree, but I would still argue that the Asia-Pacific is of greater strategic importance than Syria or Ukraine. The "pivot to the Pacific" has not changed in any significant way because of any of the entities you list making headlines.
But I know we are adding several ships to FDNF Yokosuka. And some of the ships already out here are either undergoing or will be receiving the upgrade.
...My world view is admittedly limited to the SWO world, but the major growth industry for us is the East Med. Follow the money... Look at the newest speed to fleet systems being fielded...the urgency isn't driven by PACOM. As someone going off to be a DH soon, seeking advice from mentors on what to do, it looks like FDNF Rota is the place to be.
I'm not saying PACOM isn't an important place, just that with limited resources, the USN will focus on the alligator closest to the boat. PACOM won't be an issue for the USN in my career, if it blows up at all.