Nigerian-American Officer Kelechi Ndukwe Takes Command as Commodore of US Navy Destroyer Squadron 60

Nigerian-American naval officer Kelechi Ndukwe has reached another milestone in a distinguished U.S. Navy career with his appointment as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65, based in Rota, Spain. The announcement, shared by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on X, highlighted his rise as an inspiring example of dedication and excellence.

Ndukwe already holds a place in U.S. Navy history as the first Nigerian-American to command a guided-missile destroyer, the USS Halsey (DDG-97). His leadership of the Arleigh Burke-class ship followed his tenure as executive officer and came after years of service in critical operational and strategic roles.

Promoted to Captain in August 2024, Ndukwe’s path includes assignments as fire control officer aboard the USS Normandy from 2004 to 2006 and auxiliaries officer on the USS Thorn from 2003 to 2004. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he later earned a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College and worked in the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

From 2013 to 2015, he commanded the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper stationed in Bahrain, before going on to lead the USS Halsey in 2021. His new role is regarded as a high point in a career that has spanned more than two decades since he first joined the fleet in 2003.