Another Nigerian in the US has made the country proud, breaking the glass ceiling in the US Navy.
Abia State-born Commander Kelechi Ndukwe made history in the US Military as he assumes command of a US Navy guided Missile Destroyer, USS Hailey (DDG – 97).
He also served on the Joint Staff in the Force Structure, Resource and Assessment (MCM 6), a minesweeper based in Bahrain.
Kelechi Ndukwe also served in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, representing the Navy on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Liaison. He was also the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Director for Surface Warfare on the Navy Staff.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering and obtained a Masters degree in National Security and Strategy from the US Naval War College.
Describing his family, Ndukwe said he is the oldest of his parents’ four children “but also the smallest.” he added that his parents migrated to the US from Nigeria in 1977 as “poor college students with hope and dreams.”
“And now their son is the captain of a US warship in America, anything is possible. Thank you for the example of hard work and dedication and the foundation have laid for your children,” he said.
To his wife, Ndukwe said, “you are still the greatest decision I have ever made.”
In his address to the ship’s crew, Ndukwe said that, “I am so honoured and excited to serve as your commanding officer.
“We will approach any day and mission with pride, professionalism and excellence. You are the life of this ship; this crew is the life of this ship.
“I thank you for your energy, effort and intensity everyday.”
Tiamiyu Oyetunde@OyetundeTiamiyuยท Replying to @NigeriaStoriesUp nigerians
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