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Captain Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian to command a United States Navy warship.
Promoted from the rank of Commander to Captain, Ndukwe's new role is the culmination of a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy.
In 2021, Ndukwe took command of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, making him the first Nigerian-American to lead such a prestigious vessel.
His journey to this zenith began in 2003 when he started as an auxiliaries officer, shortly after earning a master's degree in national security and strategy studies from the US Naval War College.
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"This is a significant achievement, not just for Captain Ndukwe but also for the Nigerian-American community," said Segun Victor Agunbiade, a fellow Nigerian US Navy officer, in a congratulatory message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Captain Ndukwe's profile
Before his current command, Ndukwe had already established himself as a leader within the Navy.
From 2013 to 2015, he commanded the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper stationed in Bahrain.
His extensive service record includes deployments on multiple warships across the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Western Pacific Ocean.
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FG hails Captain Ndukwe
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), praised Ndukwe's accomplishment, stating, "A hearty congratulations to Navy Captain Kelechi R Ndukwe. He is the first Nigerian American to command a US warship. #ProudlyNigerian."
Captain Ndukwe's promotion and command represent a significant achievement, reflecting the growing contributions of Nigerians in the US military and beyond.