Go ahead and jump. The hiring faucet is about to turn to the wide open position. (I expect DAL will announce hiring in 3 weeks for Oct interviews.) Getting on the front side of the coming hiring boom will be huge in terms of career earnings and progression. Clean record, reasonable time, USN trained heavy guy - you will be very attractive to some major. If you have a commendation letter from Irish, you'll be in anywhere. Good luck.