Erie native and Seneca High School graduate Kyle Vandemerwe is serving aboard the USS Virginia, a fast-attack submarine based at Naval Submarine Base New London.

A yeoman in the U.S. Navy, Vandemerwe is part of an elite group of submariners responsible for missions ranging from intelligence gathering to deploying Navy SEALs.

“My proudest accomplishment was getting my “fish,” or submarine warfare pin,” he said. “It took a lot of studying and preparation, and it made me proud to see all my hard work pay off.”

Vandemerwe credits his parents, Gerry and Amy, and his best friend, Riley Varner-Boratyn, for supporting his journey.

Inspired in part by his father’s service in the South African Air Force, he joined the Navy two years ago. “It means a lot knowing I’m doing something so selfless for my country and for other generations,” he said.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, with submariners like Vandemerwe playing a key role in America’s maritime security.