Six-year-old John wouldn’t let a few thousand miles get between him and his wish. The Spokane, Wash., native wanted to experience the high-flying excitement of Navy duty on an aircraft carrier. His wish took him across the United States to the oceanfront community of Norfolk, Va.

While in Norfolk, John and his family were personally escorted around by Lieutenant Commander Mark Dunleavy. One of the first adventures John experienced was a ride in a Navy flight simulator at Naval Air Station Oceana. Our young aviation buff was getting a taste of thrilling military life, but he still hadn’t left the shore.

The next day John realized his wish. From Naval Air Station Norfolk, John’s group was transported via COD to the USS Theodore Roosevelt -- an aircraft carrier home to a whole military community. As John can tell you now, COD means "carrier on delivery," which is the nickname for a plane used to transport people from shore to ship. John took a fact-filled tour of the aircraft carrier, watched the flight deck during flight operations, and spent the night in his own stateroom.

John awoke the next morning ready for more sea-faring adventure. He and his sister toured the captain’s bridge and visited Vulture’s Row, an observation area for flights. They also checked out the "ready room," an area where pilots are briefed and await orders. Lastly, a ride on the COD took them back to shore.

Back on the mainland, the fun wasn’t over. John visited the Battleship Wisconsin, watched the Leap Frogs -- a Navy parachute team -- and met the Navy’s Blue Angels pilots. With all his memories with the Navy covering sea, air, and land, John has plenty to consider if he pursues an exciting career in uniform.