The United States Navy has appointed Captain Kelechi Ndukwe, a Nigerian‑American naval officer, as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65, based in Rota, Spain. The US Mission in Nigeria announced the appointment on Friday, describing his career as a testament to American excellence.
Ndukwe’s rise to prominence began when he made history as the first Nigerian‑American to command a US Navy guided‑missile destroyer, the USS Halsey (DDG‑97). Over his 20‑year career he has held several key operational and leadership positions, including fire control officer aboard the USS Normandy and auxiliaries officer on the USS Thorn. He later served as executive officer of the USS Halsey and commander of the minesweeper USS Devastator (MCM‑6) in Bahrain. He also worked in the Office of the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Promoted to the rank of Navy Captain in August 2024, Ndukwe is a 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and earned a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the US Naval War College in 2003. His appointment as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 60 and Task Force 65 culminates a distinguished career and underscores the diversity and excellence of the US naval command structure.
In his new role, Commodore Ndukwe will oversee the operations of the squadron and task force. His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable as the Navy continues to recognize and reward exceptional leadership and service.
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