They will be sea to shore (production sources -- FRS/VT/HT) and back to sea.
They are not supposed to be placed in squadron jobs that are your EP makers (QAO / NATOPS / AOPS) or DH jobs.
Two points then: P-3 bubbas have had a hard time getting to the boat to be competitive already (Anav, Shooter, Asst Ops, Strike Ops, TAO, etc) . It's part of the current recipe for DH. So, even fewer of those billets will be available. Same for the FRS.
Until the recipe for DH screen changes, I'm skeptical.
Right now, if you don't go to the boat and break out, it's going to be damn hard to make DH. (That assumes you #1/#2 EP'd out of your first tour)
I still see an issue in a squadron where a second or third tour WO with 2500 hrs has to take a sideline job while the 1000 hr (maybe if lucky) LT gets NATOPS. What's the reality when OPSO needs input on a high-vis event? Naturally, he'd stack the deck with high-mileage performers. If you are a crewman, which crew would you be inclined to fly with?
I guess I just don't want to see a sub-culture form in the wardroom where it's tough already to get guys to do shit. (see MB's O-clubs thread)
For what it's worth, I agree it's about the $.