Nigeria-Born Kelechi Ndukwe Becomes First Nigerian to Command US Navy Warship
- Nigeria News
- 20.09.2025
- No Comment
- 24
Kelechi Ndukwe has made history as the first Nigerian to command a United States Navy warship. Recently promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander, Ndukwe now holds one of the most prestigious roles in the US Navy after over 20 years of dedicated service.
Kelechi Ndukwe remarkable career in the US Navy began in 2003 shortly after he earned a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategy Studies from the US Naval War College. In 2021, he assumed command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
Kelechi Ndukwe Before taking over from his predecessor, DeVere J. Crooks—who commanded the ship since November 2019—Ndukwe served as the ship’s second-in-command. His new position highlights a career defined by leadership, excellence, and resilience.
This isn’t Ndukwe’s first leadership role. From 2013 to 2015, he commanded the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper based in Bahrain. His experience on multiple warships across the globe—including deployments in the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, and the Western Pacific Ocean—has prepared him for this historic command.
Kelechi Ndukwe holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. Combining his technical expertise with strategic military training has been instrumental to his success in the US Navy.
Over the years, Ndukwe has served in numerous high-responsibility positions, including:
- Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer aboard USS Fitzgerald in Yokosuka, Japan (June 2010–December 2011)
- Navy Congressional Liaison Officer in Washington DC (July 2006–August 2008)
- Fire Control Officer aboard USS Normandy in Norfolk (2004–2006)
- Auxiliaries Officer aboard USS Thorn, Norfolk (2003–2004)
These roles have honed his leadership, operational, and strategic skills—qualities that distinguish him as a trailblazer in the Navy.
Kelechi Ndukwe has also worked in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), America’s highest-ranking military office. This experience has broadened his strategic outlook and leadership capacity beyond naval operations.
Kelechi Ndukwe joins the ranks of other outstanding Nigerian-American naval officers, including:
- Victor Agunbiade—honoured in July 2020 for “100 per cent accountability.”
- Beauty McGowan—recognized with a “high-performing sailor” award while serving on the USS Iwo Jima.
This milestone highlights the growing contributions of Nigerians and African immigrants to the global military landscape.
