My wife and I were able to come aboard to visit our son when the ship was new. We were able to take a tour of the ship. And that was our first time even coming close to a U.S. Navy ship, let alone going aboard one. Everyone we met was very kind to us and the ship-itself was a huge marvel of engineering. We also got to meet his "Chief" who told us he behaved most of the time. He told us a lot about it in his letters; especially his new bunk-beds. They were smaller than we thought. My wife was able to tour the girls sleeping area, and the kitchen/dining areas, and she was very surprised at the accommodations for the girls on board. Touring the USS Shenandoah was the highlight of our 1st East coast vacation. We are very proud of our son, and we know that he was very proud of his ship. Thank you all for your kindness, and your service to our Navy!