DRG Employee of the Quarter: Curtis “Chuck” Shipley - Electronic Attack Operator & Subject Matter Expert

Curtis “Chuck” Shipley

Electronic Attack Operator/Subject Matter Expert

C2 Program, Luke Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona

Curtis “Chuck” Shipley enjoys interacting with new people and helping them develop new skills.

An electronic attack operator/subject matter expert, Shipley has worked six years on the C2 program at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Tucson, Arizona. He worked from 2010 to 2014 and returned to DRG in October 2020.

“Mr. Shipley works tirelessly, troubleshooting the Jammer Training System (JTS), but is always highly responsive and proactive with DRG and Mercury Systems to keep our multimillion-dollar JTS operational and to ensure warfighters in the field receive the highest quality training,” said Chris Parker, C2 corporate program manager.

Shipley is the most highly qualified of all instructors at the site and regularly volunteers to fill in whenever and wherever needed, Parker said. In July, he supported units at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho and Hill AFB in Utah.

He teaches five different syllabi: Electronic Attack Course, Air Battle Manager Course, Interface Control Technician Course, Air Surveillance Technician Course, and the Surveillance Technician Course.

“Mr. Shipley is an exceptional instructor,” said Lynda Lovell, ACEs site manager on the C2 program at Luke Air Force Base. “Contractor instructors and active-duty instructors regularly seek him out for advice and mentorship, especially when it comes to highly technical questions. He is an invaluable member of the C2 Luke team!”

Shipley often receives high praise for his instruction and willingness to take extra time to elaborate and train after classes. Some of his recent student critiques described him as knowledgeable and easy to work with and said he “provided an exceptional learning environment and academic experience.”

Shipley said he learned his patience and teamwork during his time in the military. He retired from the Air Force in 2007 at the rank of master sergeant. His 20-year military career included deployments to Iceland, Korea, Italy, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

He said the fondest memory while serving was the camaraderie and lifelong friendships gained. Being away from family and friends was the most difficult aspect of military service for Shipley, who grew up in Del City, Oklahoma.

Shipley has a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s in business administration from Webster University.

He and his wife, Susan, have two sons: 21-year-old Jared and 18-year-old Justin. His hobbies include playing guitar, riding motorcycles, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Are you interested in going above and beyond within the aerospace defense industry, like Chuck? Join our team! Click the link to find current job openings at DRG: https://drgok.com/careers/