Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American, has been promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander in the United States Navy, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. Ndukwe, who made history as the first Nigerian to command a U.S. Navy warship, has now reached the pinnacle of his over 20-year service with this latest promotion.
A 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Ndukwe began his naval career as an auxiliaries officer in 2003, shortly after obtaining a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the U.S. Naval War College. His extensive experience includes a stint in the office of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff (CJCS), the highest-ranking military position in the United States.
In 2021, Ndukwe took command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, becoming the first Nigerian-American to do so. Prior to this role, he had served as the ship’s executive officer, working under Commander DeVere J. Crooks. Ndukwe’s leadership of the USS Halsey was preceded by his command of the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper based in Bahrain, from 2013 to 2015.
Throughout his career, Ndukwe has served on multiple U.S. Navy warships, navigating challenging waters across the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Western Pacific Ocean, underscoring his exceptional contributions to the U.S. Navy.
