By Abiola Olawale
A Nigerian-American, Kelechi Ndukwe has made history, as he was promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander, in the United States (U.S.) Navy.
Ndukwe officially becomes the first Nigerian to have a command of a US Navy War Ship.
His promotion took place in Millington, Tennesse on Thursday, marking the Zenith of his 21-year career in the US Navy.
This event follows his appointment in 2021 as the Commanding Officer of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, a first of its kind from a Nigerian national.
The New Diplomat reports that Ndukwe graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College with a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Ndukwe had served as Auxiliaries Officer in USS THORN (DD 988) and Fire Control Officer in USS NORMANDY (CG 60). As a Department Head, he served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS FITZGERALD (DDG 62). Selected for Early Command, he served as Executive Officer of MCM Crew SWERVE embarked on USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6). He assumed Command of SWERVE and transitioned SWERVE to Permanent Crewing of DEVASTATOR in Bahrain. His most recent assignment was as Executive Officer of USS HALSEY (DDG 97).
Ndukwe’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.
