Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American naval officer, has made history as the first Nigerian to command a US Navy warship. His achievement follows his recent promotion from Commander to Navy Captain in the United States Navy.
Ndukwe’s promotion marks the pinnacle of over two decades of dedicated service. His naval career 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.
In 2021, Ndukwe made history by assuming command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, succeeding DeVere J. Crooks. Prior to this, he 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. Ndukwe’s promotion to Navy Captain reflects his outstanding service and is a source of immense pride for the Nigerian-American community.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ndukwe has served on various warships in critical global regions, such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Gulf, and the Western Pacific Ocean. A 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he has also worked in the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the United States.
Ndukwe’s promotion is a significant milestone in the growing presence of Nigerian-born officers excelling in the US Navy.
