Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American naval officer, has become the first Nigerian to command a US Navy warship.
This comes on the heels of his promotion from Commander to Navy Captain in the United States Navy.
Ndukwe’s promotion crowns more than two decades of dedicated service in the Navy. His military journey began in 2003 when he was commissioned as an auxiliaries officer after earning a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the US Naval War College.
He made history in 2021 when he took command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, succeeding DeVere J. Crooks.
Before assuming command of the USS Halsey, Kelechi Ndukwe served as the ship’s executive officer.
His previous leadership roles include commanding the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper stationed in Bahrain, from 2013 to 2015. His promotion to Navy Captain is a testament to his exemplary service and a moment of immense pride for the Nigerian-American community.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ndukwe has served multiple warships across key global regions, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Gulf, and the Western Pacific Ocean
A 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Ndukwe has also served in the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), the highest-ranking military officer in the United States.
His promotion adds to the growing list of Nigerian-born officers excelling in the US Navy.