Yeah, just got lucky the HC-3 (now HSC-3) was a fleet PLUS FRS squadron.

Also got lucky to hit NTD when they were plumb out of fixed wing station pilots. I was flying 80 hours a month with only 15 of that in the Helo.

Tried to get out but didn't have enough fixed wing time. Considered a Coast Guard transition to fly the Falcon, but they were in a budget crunch and weren't getting any hours.

Went TAR in a couple VR squadrons (48 and 56) flying CV-580s and the C-9. Got a couple thousand C-9 hours in 3 years and scored an airline job.

A lot of that track was luck and timing. I suggest you get some kind of fixed wing orders. The C-2 idea isn't bad. Lots of flight time with the added "benefit" of being a tailhooker. Cruising can be a blast as long as you can get away from the boat occasionally.

P.S. If you ever get the chance volunteer for Hong Kong Shore Patrol duty officer. Best deal in the Navy for a number of reasons.