Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. TENTH Fleet
Senior Chief Petty Officer 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, Work Center Supervisor, Weapons Handling Supervisor, Emergency Medical Assessment Team Lead, Ship’s CPR Instructor, and was promoted to Fire Control Technician 2nd Class.
In February 2010, Senior Chief Sykes reported to Cory Station to attend Joint Cyber Analysis Course (JCAC) and cross-rated to Cryptologic Technician (Networks) (CTN). Upon completion of JCAC, he reported to Navy Information Operations Command, Maryland where he qualified as a Network Exploitation Analyst in Tailored Access Operations and served as the Dept. Leading Petty Officer, and Command Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist Coordinator. Additionally, he earned his Information Warfare designator, A+, Security+, Network+, and was promoted to CTN1.
In November 2013, Senior Chief Sykes reported to White House Communications Agency. Shortly after reporting, he was selected for promotion to Chief Petty Officer and qualified as a Vice Presidential Communications Officer. He served as the Computer Network Defense (CND) Dept. Leading Chief Petty Officer and was selected to serve as the White House Intelligence Partners Liaison Officer. During his time, he led over 200 Joint personnel in the support and defense of the POTUS and VPOTUS worldwide missions. In 2016 his CND 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, Senior Chief Sykes reported to Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group where he served as the Cyber Effects 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 and approval 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, Senior 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 and became a Cyber 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 (5 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.