He retired with 17 records -- even as he missed a season in his prime to serve his country in the Navy.

WHITEHOUSE: 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony

Under conditions of a scholarship requirement, he interrupted his study after two years to serve three years in the U.S. Navy, returning to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955.

FORBES: Neil Armstrong's Immortal Footprint

His younger brother is in the Navy ROTC and wants to serve on a nuclear submarine.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Women in the military already are allowed to serve on most Navy ships, as combat pilots and in hundreds of support jobs, including those in war zones.

WSJ: Panetta to Open Combat Roles to Women

If you care about the environment, if you care about gas prices, if you care about where our soldiers and navy may serve next, if you want the U.S. to remain strong and dominant in the world, look to the north this summer.

CNN: Why we should look to the Arctic