Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American, has been promoted to the rank of Navy Captain in the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone in his 20-year career.
Ndukwe is the first Nigerian American to command a U.S. Navy warship, a position he first assumed in 2021 when he became the commanding officer of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
Ndukwe began his naval career in 2003 as an auxiliary officer after earning a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Before commanding the USS Halsey, he led the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper based in Bahrain, from 2013 to 2015.
Throughout his career, Ndukwe has served on various warships across the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Western Pacific Ocean. He has also held roles such as Navy Congressional Liaison Officer and served in the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), congratulated Ndukwe on his promotion, noting his historic achievement as the first Nigerian to command a U.S. warship.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
