MAYPORT, Fla. - Last Saturday, a Dothan, Alabama, native native proudly celebrated Armed Forces Day and his service to his country as a member of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Reserve Component (NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F).
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Austin Caylor is a 2015 graduate from Rehobeth High School in Rehobeth, Alabama and is currently taking college classes online while also attending flight school.
“I'm planning on getting a history degree because I figured I might as well just get a degree in something I'm interested in,” said Caylor.
Caylor joined the Navy in 2017 and just recently transitioned to the Navy Reserve.
“I joined the Navy because I was trying to get out, see a little more of the world, and of course it's got great benefits,” Caylor said.
According to Caylor, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dothan.
“I joined the Navy because I was trying to get out, see a little more of the world, and of course it's got great benefits,” Caylor said.
According to Caylor, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dothan.
“Growing up with southern hospitality made it a pretty easy transition into the Navy, and of course transitioning into a leadership role,” said Caylor.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Richard Lofgren, commanding officer of NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F. “Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Austin Caylor is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members—active or reserve—should carry themselves every day both in uniform and out.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Caylor is most proud of earning the rank of the second class petty officer.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Richard Lofgren, commanding officer of NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F. “Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Austin Caylor is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members—active or reserve—should carry themselves every day both in uniform and out.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Caylor is most proud of earning the rank of the second class petty officer.
“I'm proud that I picked up E-5,” said Caylor. “Two years into the Navy and I was in charge of 45 people. I think that was a pretty good accomplishment.”
Caylor comes from a history of military service and is proud to continue a family tradition in his family to serve in the military.
“My grandpa and all his brothers—they all served in Vietnam,” Caylor said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Caylor, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing for the needs of the nation and as Armed Forces Day approaches, they reflect on what being a servicemember really means to them.
“It's a good feeling, you know, just to put the uniform on honestly,” added Caylor.
The month of May marks Military Appreciation Month, and includes Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the military, and Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifices of those who died while serving their country. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of May and stems from the unification of the armed forces under the Department of Defense.
Navy Reserve, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides continuous support to its active-duty counterpart and U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.
Caylor comes from a history of military service and is proud to continue a family tradition in his family to serve in the military.
“My grandpa and all his brothers—they all served in Vietnam,” Caylor said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Caylor, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing for the needs of the nation and as Armed Forces Day approaches, they reflect on what being a servicemember really means to them.
“It's a good feeling, you know, just to put the uniform on honestly,” added Caylor.
The month of May marks Military Appreciation Month, and includes Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the military, and Memorial Day, which honors the sacrifices of those who died while serving their country. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of May and stems from the unification of the armed forces under the Department of Defense.
Navy Reserve, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides continuous support to its active-duty counterpart and U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.