Albany native Alexander Householder serving aboard USS Ronald Reagan

SAN DIEGO – Among the products of the Dougherty County School System is a sailor serving on one of the world’s largest warships currently active in the U.S. Navy.

Fireman Alexander Householder, a 2012 Westover High School graduate and Albany native, is serving as an electrician’s mate aboard the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

The Reagan is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of 10 operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today.

“I troubleshoot electrical issues for multiple systems, anything from motors and ventilation to lighting systems,” said Householder in a recent interview with Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Named in honor of the former president, Navy officials say the carrier is longer than three football fields at nearly 1,100 feet long. It is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. Two nuclear reactors can push the ship through the water at nearly 35 mph.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Householder said he is proud to serve his country aboard an aircraft carrier, and of the work he is doing as part of the ship’s nearly 3,000 crew.

“I like the fact that as a large ship we have a lot of the people in the same rating, so I’m able to experience many new things that are specific to my job,” said Householder.

Keeping all parts of the aircraft carrier running smoothly includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,000 make up the air wing, the people who actually fly and maintain the aircraft.

“I never cease to be impressed with the type and quality of work that goes on aboard the carrier each day,” Capt. Christopher E. Bolt, the carrier’s commanding officer, told Navy Office of Community Outreach. “Our team is filled with highly qualified young adults — in many cases, 19 and 20 years old — and they’re out here launching and recovering aircraft, running a complex propulsion system safely, serving as air traffic controllers, operating sophisticated electronics, and keeping this floating city alive and functioning.

“Their work ethic, enthusiasm, and esprit de corps are second to none. If you pick up a newspaper in any city and examine what other 19- and 20-year-olds are doing, there is no comparison to the level of responsibility our Sailors hold. That caliber of Sailor is what has earned us the title of America’s Flagship.”

The USS Ronald Reagan is a self-sustaining, mobile airport designed for a 50-year service life. Navy officials say the ship carries more than 70 jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land on the carrier’s 4.5-acre flight deck. Four catapults launch aircraft off the bow of the ship. After lowering a tail hook that protrudes from the rear of the aircraft, jets and aircraft land by snagging a steel cable called an arresting wire.

Working in an environment like that can be a unique experience.

“I like the job security and ability to expand my training, as well as meeting great new people from around the country,” said Householder.