Captain Kelechi Ndukwe has made history as the first Nigerian-American to command a US Navy warship, following his promotion to the rank of Navy Captain by his commanding officer.
With over 20 years of service, Ndukwe’s career has been marked by numerous high-profile roles, including taking command of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Halsey.
His promotion to the rank of Navy Captain underscores his exemplary leadership and dedication, which have inspired many, especially within the Nigerian diaspora.
Born in Nigeria to the family of Chief Ben Ndukwe, Kelechi later migrated to the United States with his family to pursue education. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 2002 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Ndukwe’s journey took him into a distinguished military career, beginning as an auxiliary officer with the US Navy in 2003. He later attended the US Naval War College, where he earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategy Studies, preparing him for the complexities of military command.
Throughout his career, Ndukwe has held numerous leadership roles on various vessels within the U.S. Navy. From 2010 to 2011, he served as a weapons and combat systems officer on the USS Fitzgerald, home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan.
From 2013 to 2015, he commanded the USS Devastator, a minesweeper based in Bahrain. This role demonstrated his ability to lead under challenging conditions, especially given the strategic importance of the region where the USS Devastator was deployed.
In 2021, Ndukwe took command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
Ndukwe’s promotion to Navy Captain is more than just a personal achievement; it is a landmark moment for the Nigerian community in the US His success story resonates with Nigerians and Nigerian-Americans alike, serving as a source of pride and inspiration.
His accomplishment highlights the increasing diversity within the U.S. military. Ndukwe represents a growing number of individuals from minority backgrounds who are rising through the ranks, becoming the first Nigerian-American to ever command a US Navy warship.
Ndukwe’s career exemplifies what hard work, education, and a commitment to service can achieve. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Nigerians and other minorities who aspire to succeed in the military or other fields.
Congratulating Ndukwe in a post on her verified X handle on Friday, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), wrote, “A hearty congratulations to Navy Captain Kelechi R Ndukwe who has been promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander, in the US NAVY. He is the first Nigerian-American to Command a US warship #ProudlyNigerian.”
