PEARL HARBOR – Madison native Roderick Traylor graduated from Bob Jones High School in 2010 and has served in the Navy for six years.

Currently, Petty Officer 2nd Class Traylor serves on the largest naval communications station in the world. This area master station for naval computer and telecommunications is the U.S. Navy’s center of communications in the Pacific.

“Most Americans would agree that communications are a vital part of their lives. The same is true for the U.S. Navy,” Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Brian T. Glunt said. Glunt works with the Navy Office of Community Outreach in Millington, Tenn.

“Instead of using Smartphones and tablets, a group of sailors (including Traylor) stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii use the most-advanced satellite and telecommunications equipment to share vital information with sailors deployed around the world,” Glunt said.

As a Navy yeoman, Traylor is responsible for creating, producing and handling paperwork, writing letters, notices, directives for instructions, forms and reports.

“My hometown is mostly Army. There’s a lot of respect and admiration for anyone who currently served or has served,” Traylor said.

“I learned from my dad that nothing comes from nothing. He taught me discipline and structure and instilling hard work and determination will get me far,” Traylor said.

“I am most proud of what I have learned so far and I’m excited to learn and experience even more,” Traylor said. “Crossing over into the Arctic Circle and sailing over the Titanic was something I’m proud to say I’ve experienced.”

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Traylor, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Traylor is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“My father and two of his brothers served in the Army, and my grandfather served in the National Guard,” Traylor said. “I was already used to the customs of living a military life, so joining seemed normal to me.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Traylor and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. “To me, serving in the Navy, or any other branch, is to do my part in honoring those who have paved ways, served and sacrificed to protect this country,” Traylor said.

For more information, email navyoutreach@navy.mil or visit Facebook/Navy Outreach.