NIGERIAN-AMERICAN OFFICER KELECHI NDUKWE SETS NEW RECORD AS COMMODORE OF U.S. NAVY DESTROYER SQUADRON 60.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
21- NOV- 2025

In yet another landmark achievement, Nigerian-American naval officer Captain Kelechi Ndukwe has been appointed Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65, a major U.S. Navy formation headquartered in Rota, Spain. The announcement, shared by the U.S. Mission Nigeria, celebrates his ascent as a powerful symbol of dedication, excellence, and representation at the highest levels of military leadership.

Ndukwe’s latest milestone adds to an already stellar career. He first entered the history books as the first Nigerian-American to command a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class warship. His journey, widely hailed as “pure inspiration,” continues to attract admiration across both Nigeria and the United States.

According to the U.S. Mission’s statement on X, now serving as Commodore, Ndukwe embodies resilience and achievement:
“Meet Commodore Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian-American making history in the U.S. Navy… From commanding the USS Halsey to leading Destroyer Squadron 60 & Task Force 65 in Spain, his journey is a true example of #AmericanExcellence.”

Ndukwe earned his promotion to Navy Captain in August 2024, following more than two decades of distinguished service. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Class of 2002), he began his naval career in 2003 after completing his master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

His early postings included serving as fire control officer aboard the USS Normandy from 2004 to 2006 and as auxiliaries officer on the USS Thorn between 2003 and 2004. Over the years, he has also held key roles within the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military authority in the United States.

Ndukwe’s command experience is expansive. Before taking charge of the USS Halsey, he led the USS Devastator (MCM-6), a Bahrain-based minesweeper, from 2013 to 2015. He later served as executive officer on the USS Halsey before assuming full command in 2021.

His new appointment as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65 represents the pinnacle of an extraordinary naval career—marking him once again as a trailblazer, a role model for young officers, and a celebrated figure within the global Nigerian diaspora.