Let me start by stating that in no way was I trying to promote RCOH. Sooner or later, it will become a nightmare, especially when restoring systems.
Granted, I haven't been around for several rotations like most people here. However, when I reported to a ship in RCOH, it was right after they finished scoop. We started off in four section and moved to five, and most people (officers under the PA level) didn't have much to do in comparison to an operational ship, especially once the fuel was removed. Not that I'm going to say those people dipped out early on non- duty days or walked off the ship with a DivO or two around noon or anything like that...
However, when we got closer to flood drydock, we started to feel the pain for not putting an emphasis on quals. We dropped down to four section (not that I'm complaining about four section), began staying several hours late on a daily basis (especially the khaki), and eventually had to go into shift work when we brought steam in the plants. No matter how many times I tried to go TAD to another ship (and no matter how high the authority was that ordered me to submit a chit), my chit always "get lost." Having no family to go go home to, I really had no reason to choose RCOH over deployment, and wouldn't have made the decision if I had the option.
My first DivO got there about the same time I did, and he loved life up until he went up for PNEO. My second DivO was always seemed stressed out but didn't mind things too much until shortly before he was relieved. My third DivO (and soon the other DivO when we finally got a second) worked like dogs. They seldom complained, but I would not want their job, family or no. Every ship is different, and seldom in the Navy are there guarantees something will happen if it's not in writing. I think almost everyone here can attest to that last line one way or another. It is what it is, and one way or another your family will find some way to make it work. Best of luck.
