Kelechi Ndukwe has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian to command a United States Navy warship.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Ndukwe was promoted to the prestigious rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy, a remarkable achievement that has garnered widespread recognition.
The news was first shared on social media by U.S. Army Officer Victor Agunbiade, who took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to congratulate Ndukwe.
Agunbiade posted photos from the promotion ceremony, expressing his pride and excitement. “Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the newest US Navy Captain Kelechi Ndukwe.
The first Nigerian to have a command of the US Navy War Ship! Congratulations on your promotion Captain! Well deserved,” he wrote.
The momentous achievement has been celebrated not only by Ndukwe’s peers in the military but also by prominent figures in the Nigerian diaspora. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), also took to X to extend her congratulations.
“A hearty congratulations to Navy Captain Kelechi R. Ndukwe, who has been promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander in the US Navy,” she posted, underscoring the significance of this milestone for Nigerians worldwide.
Captain Kelechi Ndukwe’s promotion is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and the increasingly significant contributions of Nigerians in global military service. His achievement serves as an inspiration to many, both within and beyond the military community.