Promoted from the rank of Commander to Captain, Ndukwe’s new role is the culmination of a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy.
In 2021, Ndukwe took command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, making him the first Nigerian-American to lead such a prestigious vessel.
His journey to this zenith began in 2003 when he started as an auxiliaries officer, shortly after earning a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the US Naval War College.
“This is a significant achievement, not just for Captain Ndukwe but also for the Nigerian-American community,” said Segun Victor Agunbiade, a fellow Nigerian US Navy officer, in a congratulatory message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Captain Ndukwe’s profile
Before his current command, Ndukwe had already established himself as a leader within the Navy.
From 2013 to 2015, he commanded the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper stationed in Bahrain.
His extensive service record includes deployments on multiple warships across the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Western Pacific Ocean.
FG hails Captain Ndukwe
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), praised Ndukwe’s accomplishment, stating, “A hearty congratulations to Navy Captain Kelechi R Ndukwe. He is the first Nigerian American to command a US warship. #ProudlyNigerian.”
Captain Ndukwe’s promotion and command represent a significant achievement, reflecting the growing contributions of Nigerians in the US military and beyond.
