Classes graduate from Naval Submarine School

Groton— Two classes recently graduated from the Naval Submarine School.

Seventy-three sailors, “Class 12240,” USS Chopper (SS-342), graduated from Basic Enlisted Submarine School May 18.

Hull Technician First Class Eric Bell was the class honorman. Seaman Emmanuel Taylor received the Submarine League’s William Purdum Award for most improved student. Seaman Recruit Kyle Borkholder received the Navy League Award and Machinist’s Mate First Class Michael Durant, the class leader, received the Heritage Award.

Seaman Angel Poncemendez, Seaman Joshua Long, Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) Second Class Anthony Opalek, Seaman James Massey, Seaman Apprentice Eric Worden, Seaman Recruit Angelo Digirolamo, Seaman Apprentice Delance Toran, Machinist’s Mate Third Class Nathan McCormack, Seaman Jameson Vandemar, Information Systems Technician Third Class James Kinney, Engineering Aide Second Class Alexander Ayo, and Seaman Blythe Tollefsen and Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) Second Class Elmer Paucar were graduates with distinction.

Thirty-three sailors of “Class 12050” graduated from the Submarine Electronics Computer Field Apprentice course May 17.

Seaman Shomari Robinson, Seaman Jason Heifner and Seaman Kyle Povado were class honormen. Robinson, Sonar Technician Third Class Michael Amenti and Seaman Christopher Esbrandt received awards for personal excellence and were all named graduates with distinction. Seaman Dai Thach was meritoriously advanced.