The times are a bit higher for these guys now. I graduated primary in the T-34C with 100 hours, and the jet bubbas will then spend about another 100 hours before heading out to the boat (with the exception of the E-2/C-2 guys).

As a helo guy (SH-60B/F/H/R), I LOVED my job. Truly memorable. But I frequently went up to the flight deck and stood by the foul line in my flight gear, watching each and every pass from the tail hook cadre. In my last job as a staff officer for the strike group commander, I was lucky enough to get a backseat ride from my boss, an F/A-18F pilot with 22 years experience. Needless to say, it was an awesome experience. It made me remember why I specifically chose not to go the fighter route. (Almost needed that plastic bag!)

One thing I learned from my side of the aisle: the helo guys will always envy the jet guys on those CAVU days with zero sea state, and the jet guys will never envy the helo guys on those 200 ft visibility nights on goggles or using a "smoke light" approach to a destroyer.