PORT HUENEME, Calif. –
David Alexander, an electronics technician at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) known as a go-to problem solver for deployed ships with critical technical challenges, was selected for the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) Claud A. Jones Award for Fleet Engineering.
Alexander has performed a key role supporting Aegis platforms deployed on U. S. Navy warships by ensuring Aegis Combat System and Missile Defense Agency configurations critical to ballistic missile defense (BMD) operate effectively, according to the award nomination. His dedication to the Navy has drawn praise and accolades from fleet commanders and sailors who value his life-saving efforts.
The award related specifically to his “pivotal” role in major U.S. Navy incidents, most recently in defeating Houthi-launched weapons in the Gulf of Aden in 2024. He restored BMD on deployed Navy vessels and corrected other BMD technical problems before the issues escalated.
“His tireless efforts saved countless lives in 2024,” the nomination said.
Alexander serves as an electronics technician and is responsible for critical technical support across multiple domains including conducting comprehensive technical assessments of Aegis BMD systems. Alexander plays a significant role in ensuring the operational readiness of these systems by delivering rapid response distance support to fleet units while always being ready to travel to ships to assist with repairing critical system casualties.
Upon hearing the news of the award, Alexander said he was awed and surprised.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor and a wonderful surprise,” he said. “I’m so grateful to my peers for recognizing my work in this way. It’s incredibly motivating to know that my efforts are valued.”
Richard Watanabe, a manager who nominated Alexander for the award, said that Alexander is more than worthy of the recognition.
“When systems go down, we have people like David who go out to deployed ships and do whatever is necessary to get that ship back up and operational,” Watanabe said. “And David has done that so many times for so many years for as long as I remember being a department head. He’s always the first one to volunteer and I think he’s well-deserving of this ASNE award because he really takes fleet support to the next level.”
Operations Coordinator Joel Timm, who helps Alexander arrange last-minute travel, said Alexander acts as a lifeline between deployed ships facing technical problems and expertise available at NSWC PHD.
Timm added that Alexander’s commitment to keeping the Navy wartime ready is exceptional.
“David’s drive and engineering prowess are truly remarkable,” Timm said. “He willingly ventured into active engagement zones and went underway aboard ships to repair equipment and restore capabilities — a testament to his dedication that few possess.”
Founded in 1888, ASNE is the seventh oldest technical society in the U.S. and was created by a group of naval engineering pioneers, most of them officers of the U.S. Navy's Engineering Corps, who sought a unified approach to their profession in order to utilize new advances in technology.
The ASNE awards were established to honor the most promising young engineers from the graduating classes at the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The first Claud A. Jones Fleet Engineer Award was presented to U.S. Navy Cmdr. Carl N. Strawbridge in 1988.
Journey
After graduating from Lakeside High School in Evans, Georgia, in 2006, Alexander attended Augusta State University (now Augusta University) for three years but never graduated, and said he felt lost.
“I just couldn’t decide what to do, but kept going to class, and had five different majors,” he said. But, in the back of my mind, I always wanted to enlist in the Navy.”
Alexander said when he told his wife that he was going to join the Navy, she wasn’t exactly thrilled.
“This was very unfamiliar territory for her, but she knew how much this meant to me and supported my decision,” he said.
In 2016, Alexander enlisted in the Navy and after completing boot camp, took extensive technical training at the Center for Surface Combat Systems in Great Lakes, Illinois, (now known as Surface Combat Systems Training Command) and at the Aegis Training Readiness Center (ATRC) in Dahlgren, Virginia.
In July 2018, Alexander graduated from ATRC with a specialization in Aegis Computer System ballistic missile defense and reported to USS Decatur (DDG 73) as a fire controlman Aegis technician.
Accomplishments
During his service aboard USS Decatur, Alexander participated in all phases of the Fleet Response Plan Cycle, including an 18-month extended availability for two deployments to the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.
Alexander met Curtis Garretson, BMD technical lead, while serving aboard the Decatur and refers to him as an important mentor in his life.
Garretson said that Alexander is a top notch technician whose heart bleeds for the fleet.
“David is a go-getter and has a great thirst for knowledge,” Garretson said. “He consistently demonstrates exceptional technical proficiency and is committed to resolving technical issues thoroughly and efficiently so ships are returned to operational status as quickly as possible.”
From 2020 to 2023, Alexander served as combat systems training team supervisor and said during this time, he gained invaluable experience in Aegis systems and a broader knowledge of combat systems integration. He concluded his active duty service in 2023 at the rank of petty officer first class.
He said his decision to join NSWC PHD in 2023 was driven by his desire to leverage his expertise in Aegis BMD to directly impact fleet readiness, while continuing to contribute to the professional development of Sailors.
“NSWC PHD offered me a unique platform to combine my technical skills with my passion for mentorship,” he said. “I strongly believe in the principle of empowerment through knowledge transfer and recite this adage often, ‘give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’”
His rock
Alexander, a recipient of a Meritorious Civilian of the Year Award in 2024, calls his wife “his rock” and credits her for his professional success and unwavering support.
“I’ve had the honor of receiving awards and recognition throughout my career but my greatest achievement is building a life with my wife, Rebecca,” he said. “Her love and encouragement have been the foundation upon which I’ve been able to pursue my goals and overcome challenges.”
As Alexander reflected on the award, he also reflected on his Navy career and the importance and responsibility of supporting the warfighter.
“Keeping the fleet and the sailors ready for conflict is really what’s most important,” he said. “And when equipment malfunctions arise, they turn to NSWC PHD for solutions. And these sailors are risking their lives and depending on us to come through so they can defeat potential threats and successfully achieve national defense missions.”