Bit of background may help explain some of it. Ships go through a cycle where they go from getting ready for docking > docking > coming out of docking> trials > fully operational (death star mode) > ramping down for docking.
Also caveat that I'm on CHA right now, so a bit biased.
However, right now we're winding down on the trials and about to go operational, with some good trips coming up, without having to be the MHP whipping boy or some other thankless tasks. Other ships are already ramped up, but joining them now would mean jumping into a fully worked up unit, rather then getting to ramp up with the team. So the next year will be great in terms of getting to sea, seeing a lot, and actually getting to do everything we train to do. I feel like I've won the posting lottery.
The actual team is great too; people come into work smiling, departments work well together, command team is great. Spoke to someone in the summer when we both found out we were heading to the same ship, and his words were 'I'm happy to be in the Navy again'. Not really sure else to say, but generally a really good vibe on board.
Personally I wake up looking forward to go to work, really like the people I work with, and despite having lots of really long crazy days, some ridiculous arisings, only downside is that my time posted to the ship is limited, so enjoying it while I can.