Nigerian-American Kelechi Ndukwe makes history as US Navy appoints him Commodore, Destroyer Squadron 60

Nigerian-American naval officer, Captain Kelechi Ndukwe, has been appointed Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65 of the United States Navy, based in Rota, Spain.

The appointment, announced Friday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria via its official X handle, marks another milestone in Ndukwe’s remarkable rise within the U.S. naval command. The mission described his journey as “pure inspiration” and a reflection of “American excellence.”

Ndukwe previously made history as the first Nigerian-American to command a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Halsey (DDG-97). “From commanding the USS Halsey to now serving as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65 in Spain, his journey is a true example of #AmericanExcellence,” the mission wrote.

Promoted to Captain in August 2024, Ndukwe has spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy, holding multiple operational and leadership roles. His early career included serving as fire control officer on the USS Normandy from 2004 to 2006 and as auxiliaries officer on the USS Thorn between 2003 and 2004.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Class of 2002), he has also worked in the Office of the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, the country’s top military advisory office. In 2021, he assumed command of the USS Halsey after serving as its executive officer. He also commanded the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a U.S. Navy minesweeper based in Bahrain, from 2013 to 2015.

Ndukwe’s new role is seen as one of the most significant positions in his distinguished career, which began in 2003 after completing a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies at the U.S. Naval War College.