Airman Apprentice Rydan Deckard, a native of Alton, serves in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego.
Deckard graduated from Alton High School in 2024.
Deckard said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those he learned growing up in Alton.
“I grew up in a pretty small town in Missouri,” Deckard said. “I’ve learned to be a part of a close and small community, which has helped when it comes to building each other up in my daily life in the Navy.”
Deckard joined the Navy one year ago. He now serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“My father served in the U.S. Navy from 2008 to 2017,” Deckard said. “Seeing everything he did and got to experience made me want to follow in his footsteps and continue a family tradition.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained commitments worldwide.
Among the largest warships in the world, USS Theodore Roosevelt is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard the carrier.
“This aircraft carrier is one of the most powerful warships in the world, but it is our sailors that give the U.S. Navy our warfighting advantage,” said Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “For over 250 years, sailors have built the foundation of our readiness and resolve, enabled us to keep America safe and ensured the U.S. Navy remains the strongest and most capable maritime force in the world.”
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have mission capabilities that make them strategic assets for the Navy. They are often among the first responses in a global crisis because of their ability to operate in international waters.
Deckard said his biggest accomplishment has been building good relationships with his leadership and chain of command.
“In return, they have put a lot of confidence and trust that I will be able to execute the mission in a timely manner, even as a junior sailor,” Deckard said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
Navy officials said the prosperity of the United States is linked to recruiting and retaining people from across the country, with 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables.
“Being able to serve in the world’s largest fighting force is something special,” Deckard said. “It’s important to me that my friends and family are able to enjoy freedom and sleep in peace back home while I am able to defend that freedom from Theodore Roosevelt.”
Deckard said he is grateful to those who helped make his Navy career possible.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for opening so many doors in my life,” Deckard said. “And I would also like to thank my family and friends back home for supporting me in this journey to becoming a better sailor every day.”
Deckard also offered encouragement to others considering military service.
“Joining the Navy was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Deckard said. “I would recommend to anyone thinking about joining to go ahead and make the choice to sign up. You won’t regret it!”
