We moved back to CA. from TN. but maybe your experiences will be better ones.
As for traveling with the fur kids, we always stop every two hours and walk them around a little, give them a drink and off we go again. If you have room for a small cooler, then take along some water, sandwiches and fruit. (this will keep you from having to leave the fur-kids in the car while you go inside somewhere to eat and saves a lot of time traveling. No sweets as it will make you very tired and sleepy. Don't feed the dogs anything in the car as they could get sick. A very light breakfast an hour before leaving and nothing till you stop for the night. I don't use dog seats for our girls. We have the small straps that hook to their harness and snaps into the seat belt clip. It gives them more room to stretch & move around some.
Pet Auto Safety Restraint Strap - Black | 12-17"L
If you do have a nervous dog, then I'd suggest giving Rescue Remedy an hour before you leave, and take it with you for traveling. Make sure you take a couple gallons of water for the dogs and in case there is an emergency.
Look for a pet friendly hotel around 5 or 6 so you can put the dogs in the room and go have a nice hot meal, then relax, watch some TV and get to sleep early. The marriott Residence Inn does a great breakfast if you find one to stay in. This makes the traveling so much more pleasant on you and the dogs. By the time you get to the Naval base, your dogs will be broke into traveling and will enjoy going again.