Surrounded by family who have worn the uniform and family who have built the ships that protect them, Roderick found his place in a craft that ties all those pieces together. He’s built a path defined by pride, purpose and caring for the people he works with every day. During this conversation, Roderick shares what led him to the shipyard and why the mission means so much to him.
Can you talk about your journey and why you decided to work at Ingalls?
After graduating from Moss Point High in 2008, I went to Pearl River Community College on a basketball scholarship. I played for two years, then transferred to West Texas A&M. After a season there, I got homesick and came back south, finishing my bachelor’s at William Carey in 2012. My dad’s been in the military for 38 years, and everyone on his side of the family serves, so that was my goal too.
While I was waiting, my dad suggested I try rigging. I didn’t know anything about it, but he told me people make great careers from it. I gave it a shot — and 12 years later, I’m a foreman.
Can you tell me about some of your daily responsibilities and what comes with your title of rigging foreman?
I have a crew of about 10 to 11 people. Every day, we make sure the jobsite is safe, control movements in and out and handle the heavy materials that can’t be moved by hand. We use chain falls and move equipment from one destination to another to support the whole ship.
You could’ve stayed in your position as a rigger, but you moved into a leadership role. What pushed you to take that next step?
I’ve always felt like a natural-born leader. That’s how I was raised and it’s always been my personality. I was captain on every team I ever played on. People follow me, and I try to lead the right way. Moving into a foreman role came naturally.
Talk to me about some of your favorite parts of the job.
I love the communication and interacting with people every day. I love being close to home. My grandmother worked out here for 40 years in the safety store before she retired, and I’ve got aunties out here too. It really feels like a big family reunion.
You’re a multi‑generational shipbuilder with strong military connections, and you're building the ships they rely on. What does that mean to you?
Man, it means everything. I’ve got family in the military who serve on the same ships we build. My dad even commissioned the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) here back in the late ’80s. I come to work every day focused on doing things right. There’s a real emotional connection for me because I know the people we’re building for.