Senior Chief Sykes, a native of Fairborn, Ohio, enlisted in the United States Navy in April of 2009. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to Naval Submarine School, Groton, Connecticut where he completed Basic Enlisted Submarine School as well as Fire Control Technician technical pipeline. Upon graduation, he reported for duty onboard USS COLUMBUS (SSN 762) Pearl Harbor, Hawaii completing two Western Pacific Deployments. His follow on fleet assignment was onboard USS PROVIDENCE (SSN 719), deploying to the EUCOM AOR and Western Pacific AOR. In addition, Senior Chief Sykes completed shore assignments at Naval Submarine Training - Center Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Commander Submarine Squadron Twelve, Groton, Connecticut. Senior Chief Sykes is currently serving as the Chief of the Boat onboard USS DELAWARE (SSN 791). Senior Chief Sykes is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy and Command Master Chief Course and has earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare designation. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.