Navy Seaman William Aldavera, from Camilla, Ga., serves aboard USS Harry S. Truman

NORFOLK, Va. (June 25, 2014) William Aldavera, a seaman from Camilla, Ga. and 2012 graduate of Mitchell County High School, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

USS Harry S. Truman is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of only ten operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today, protecting and defending America on the world’s oceans. Tens of thousands of young American men and women are deployed around the world doing just that, and they are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times. Approximately 2,500 men and women make up the ship’s company, which keeps all parts of the aircraft carrier running smoothly — this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,500 or so form 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 Truman each day,” said Capt. S. Robert Roth, the carrier’s commanding officer. “Our team is filled with highly qualified young adults – in many cases, 19 and 20 years old – and they’re out here running a complex propulsion system safely, serving as air traffic controllers, operating sophisticated electronics, launching and recovering aircraft when we’re underway, and keeping this floating city alive and functioning. I can’t express how proud I am to be a part of this team. They performed at the highest level, day in and day out during our recent 9-month combat deployment and are continuing to do so here at home. Their professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence are second to none.”