A Nigerian-American, Captain Kelechi Ndukwe has made history as the first Nigerian to command a warship in the United States Navy.
Recently promoted from Commander to Captain, Ndukwe’s appointment is the highlight of his 20-year career in the Navy.
In 2021, Ndukwe became the commanding officer of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), a guided-missile destroyer, making him the first Nigerian-American to hold such a position.
Ndukwe’s naval career began in 2003 when he started as an auxiliaries officer, soon after completing a master’s degree in national security and strategy from the US Naval War College.
Segun Victor Agunbiade, another Nigerian officer in the US Navy, celebrated Ndukwe’s achievement on social media, calling it a significant milestone for the Nigerian-American community.
He wrote, “Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the newest US Navy Captain Kelechi Ndukwe. The first Nigerian to have a command of US Navy War Ship! Congratulations on your promotion Captain! Well deserved!!!,” he wrote
“At the promotion ceremony of US Navy Captain Kelechi Ndukwe- a trail blazer!!!”
“This is a significant achievement, not just for Captain Ndukwe but also for the Nigerian-American community,” Segun Victor Agunbiade added.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), also commended Ndukwe.
She wrote, “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 new role highlight the growing impact of Nigerians in the US military and beyond.
https://twitter.com/segunvictor73/status/1829192266897871181
https://twitter.com/segunvictor73/status/1829185578480353678
https://twitter.com/nidcom_gov/status/1829488894754406746
KanyiDaily recalls that a Nigerian man, Dr. Chidubem Obi Gerald also made history by becoming the first African to graduate with 5.0 GPA in I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia.
