Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. TENTH Fleet
Master Chief Sykes is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, and enlisted in the United States Navy in March 2005. Following completion of Basic Training, he reported to Groton, CT. for Basic Enlisted Submarine School, and Fire Control Technician (FT) “A” School.
Upon completion of training, he was promoted to Fire Control Technician (FT) 3rd Class and reported to the USS Toledo (SSN 769) in July of 2006, where he qualified Fire Control Technician of the Watch and Torpedo Man of the Watch Supervisors, and earned his Sub Surface Warfare designator. Additionally, he served as the Deck Division Leading Petty Officer, Emergency Medical Assessment Team Lead, Ship’s CPR Instructor, and was promoted to Fire Control Technician 2nd Class.
In February 2010, Master Chief Sykes reported to Cory Station to attend Joint Cyber Analysis Course (JCAC) and cross-rated to Cryptologic Technician (Networks) (CTN). Upon completion, he reported to Navy Information Operations Command, Maryland where he was promoted to CTN1, qualified as a Network Exploitation Analyst, earned his Information Warfare designator, and served as N5 Dept. Leading Petty Officer and the Command Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist Coordinator.
In November 2013, Master Chief Sykes reported to White House Communications Agency. Shortly after reporting, he was selected for promotion to Chief Petty Officer. He served as the Computer Network Defense (CND) Dept. Chief, Vice Presidential Communications Officer, and as the White House Intelligence Partners Liaison Officer. During his time, he led over 200 Joint personnel in the support and defense of POTUS and VPOTUS missions. In 2016 his team won the DISA Outstanding Technical Program Project of the Year. He also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity.
In November 2017, Master Chief Sykes reported to Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group where he served as the Cyber Effects (N5) Department Chief. During his time, he led the development and execution to man, train and equip the Navy’s cyber developer workforce and the creation of the Research & Development NEC. Additionally, he was selected to Senior Chief and is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 230.
In March 2021, Master Chief Sykes reported to FCC/C10F where he served as the N5 Plans and Policies Directorate LCPO and is currently serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader. Master Chief Sykes became a Cryptologic Warfare Technician in 2023 when the rating was created.
His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (6 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.