Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Chief Master Sgt. Michael P. Sipps is the chief enlisted manager for the 380th...... read more read more
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SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Right in the heart of Georgia sits Chief Master Sgt. Michael P. Sipps' hometown of Cochran in Bleckley County. The city, history shows, is named for named for Judge Arthur E. Loves Cochran who was largely instrumental in developing this section of Georgia through his work as President of the Macon and Brunswick Railroad.
For nearly 30 years, Sipps has used his small town values to steam down the track of success. Now, the Air National Guard chief from the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is helping other Airmen to success in the deployed mission.
Sipps is the chief enlisted manager for the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.
"As the chief enlisted manager, I'm responsible for the overall care and management of all deployed enlisted members of the squadron," Sipps said. "I'm also responsible to manage the transition during the rotations and to work with other units to ensure we have problem resolution for cross-unit issues."
The 380th ECS is responsible for all of the communications needs of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing including computer systems, cable television, network operations and more.
"Our unit provides all voice and data information technology services to our area of responsibility," Sipps said. "Communications is vitally important to ensure availability, integrity and confidentiality of all information on our information technology systems. These systems allow seamless communication over vast distances which the decision makers to have the data they need to adjust to this fluid environment. It can also shorten the time it takes to make those decisions saving American and our allies' lives."
According to its fact sheet, the Air National Guard's federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units and Airmen available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies. During peacetime, the combat-ready units, support units and Air National Guard Airmen are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Air National Guard units may be activated in a number of ways as prescribed by public law. Most of the laws may be found in Title 10 of the U.S. Code. Sipps said he is proud he joined the Air National Guard and the military and is glad to have the opportunity to deploy.
"I have been in the military all of my adult life and would not want to have done it any other way," Sipps said. "Being deployed is hard to leave your family behind in the states but that small sacrifice is worth the effort to protect and defend our great nation. I have seen many changes over my years of service and the burden on our Airmen is great or possibly greater than it has ever been. That being said, I am proud to stand beside these dedicated Airmen in the ECS, they are professional, committed and competent."
The 380th ECS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2010 02:45 |
| Story ID: | 48382 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 157 |
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