Profile
Senior Chief John “Rich” Helton assumed the duties as CGCYBER’s first NCOIC in July 2020. He originally hails from North Charleston, SC but grew up in a USN and USCG household in various parts of the US and Caribbean before enlisting in the Coast Guard in January 2003.
SCPO Helton has served on USCGC ELM (WLB-204), USCGC KUKUI (WLB-203), USCGC KEY LARGO (WPB-1324), and USCGC MARGARET NORVELL (WPC-1105). His shore duty assignments include USCG Station South Portland and USCG Surface Forces Logistics Center. Prior to his current assignment, he proudly served as the USCG liaison instructor to the USAF Senior NCO Academy.
SCPO Helton’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Air Force Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, USCG “E” Ribbons, USCG Special Operations Service Ribbon, and USCG Overseas Service Ribbon, among many others. SCPO Helton is a permanent Cutterman, holds the Advanced Boat Forces Operations Insignia, and is the designated Command Senior Chief (Silver Badge) for CGCYBER’s Cyber Effects & Protection Division.
SCPO Helton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Citadel, and Associates Degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Instructor of Technology & Military Science. SCPO Helton is a graduate of the USAF Senior NCO Academy Class 17-B, the USN Senior Enlisted Academy Class 183, the Boat Forces Command Cadre Course, Cyberspace Operations Planners Course, Intermediate Cyber Core, and many other service related schools. SCPO Helton holds multiple IAT and IAM certifications.
SCPO Helton is married to the former Emma Harpin of Kittery, ME and they have four children: Adrianna, Jake, Nicholas, and Leah.
Sessions