CDR Kyle Sanders was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2005 and served three years as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate with the VR-53 “Capital Express.” CDR Sanders was commissioned as a Naval Flight Officer in 2009.  

CDR Sanders earned his wings in November 2010 and was selected to fly the P-3C Orion. In 2011, he reported to the VP-40 “Fighting Marlins” in Whidbey Island, Washington. While assigned to VP-40, CDR Sanders deployed to INDOPACOM and CENTCOM in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. He qualified as a Navigator, Tactical Coordinator, Mission Commander, Instructor Tactical Coordinator, and Special Mission Subject Matter Expert.  

Following his initial sea tour, CDR Sanders was selected for instructor duty at the VP-30 “Pro’s Nest” Fleet Replenishment Squadron in Jacksonville, Florida, where he transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and served as a Fleet Instructor and NATOPS Evaluator.  

In January 2017, CDR Sanders attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and completed the Maritime Operational Planning Course prior to reporting to the Commander Seventh Fleet Staff in Yokosuka, Japan, as the lead Operational Planner for Korea Branch plans.    

In November 2019, CDR Sanders returned to Whidbey Island for his Department Head tour with the VP-46 “Grey Knights.” While assigned to VP-46, CDR Sanders deployed to EUCOM and CENTCOM and served as the Officer-in-Charge for RIMPAC Exercise 2020 and Commander Task Group 67.8 Operational Detachment in Lajes, Portugal and Lossiemouth, Scotland. During his Department Head tour, CDR Sanders led the squadron’s Future Operations, Tactics, Administration, Training, and Operations Departments.  

In November 2022, CDR Sanders reported to the Joint Staff J-32 Deputy Directorate of ISR Operations.  While at the Pentagon, he served as a Force Management Action Officer, National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center Battle Captain, and Branch Chief for the J-32 Assessments Division Modelling and Analytics Branch.  

CDR Sanders’ awards include the Meritorious Defense Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. He is married to Gloria Sanders of Winter Park, Florida, and they have two daughters, Stella and Emilia.