Hi Subnate,
Welcome! My Dad was in the Navy so I have a soft spot for Navy guys. Though my first husband was Air Force (LOL). Married now to a civilian.
Ah, Virginia! When I graduated from high school (in PA), I went to Virginia Tech, and SWORE I would never move back north. Ummm, well, things didn't turn out like I planned, though I ended up in Maryland for 25 years. But I love Virginia and the Tidewater area.
Since your wife likes sweet wines, you might also try one of the "mist" type kits. They are good for summer drinking (less alcohol, and sweet, much like a wine cooler). They also need no aging. Bottle and drink. Also, consider a white for one of your early wines. They don't require as much aging, so you might convince your wife sooner rather than later!