Chubby,
I'm a little biased about communities because I'm from the HS side of the house. I really enjoyed my time in the squadron but I was in a really good squadron. The front office was outstanding the time that I was there. The CO, XO and CMC were true leaders. That being said, the HS community is completly different than anything in the Navy helo side because we deploy as a squadron, with an airwing. There is zero Det mentality. The whole squadron is out together and works together. We go on all the airwing work-ups and thusly develope a stronger relationship with the fixed wing side. The bad side is that we are deployed alot. For example, out of my 36 months I was gone for almost 24 months of that tour. We do lots of overland training, meaning night CSAR on googles. The flying is outstanding but the lifestyle can get old, hence the reason I'm at the Vt's. I have no regrets about my choice and highly recommend it to any Navy helo bubbas. It's a hard life but highly rewarding. If you are thinking career, it is definately the way to go. HS guys are carrier skippers but we will never be CAG's. PM me if you have anymore questions.