I probably got my "itchy feet" from growing up as an Army brat; I can't stay too long in one place (living here in San Diego is the exception).  When I was a kid, I was gung-ho about being like my dad & joining the Army... that is until the command ship, USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19)  had an open house at Fleet Activities White Beach, Okinawa in 1975.

I spoke with a young petty officer who was giving tours on the main deck & I asked about his experiences. He told me where he had been & where they were heading.  He spoke of adventure... that's the key sales point I wanted to hear (the "cracker-jack" uniform also helped)!

From then on, I was sold...