First Nigerian and Igbo-American to Command a U.S. Navy Warship
History has been made as Captain Kelechi Ndukwe earns promotion to Commodore, taking command of the prestigious U.S. Destroyer Squadron 60 and serving as Commander, Task Force 65, based in Rota, Spain. This remarkable achievement not only highlights his dedication and leadership but also marks a monumental milestone for Nigerians and the wider African diaspora.
Commodore Ndukwe is widely celebrated as the first Nigerian and Igbo-American officer to command a U.S. Navy warship — a feat that has inspired pride across communities worldwide. Hailing from Okoko-Item in Abia State, Nigeria, his story is a shining example of excellence, resilience, and the limitless opportunities available through discipline and service.
His rise is more than a personal victory — it is a symbol of hope, representation, and inspiration for the next generation of Africans and African-Americans pursuing military careers.
