Capt. Kelechi R. Ndukwe
COMMODORE, DESTROYER SQUADRON 60 / COMMANDER, TASK FORCE 65
25 November 2025
A native of Columbia, Tennessee, CAPT Ndukwe graduated from University of Notre Dame in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College with a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Afloat, CAPT Ndukwe served as Auxiliaries Officer in USS THORN (DD 988) and Fire Control Officer in USS NORMANDY (CG 60). As a Department Head, he served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS FITZGERALD (DDG 62). Selected for Early Command, he served as Executive Officer of MCM Crew SWERVE embarked in USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6). He assumed Command of SWERVE and transitioned SWERVE to Permanent Crewing of DEVASTATOR in Bahrain. His most recent afloat assignments were as Executive Officer followed by Commanding Officer in USS HALSEY (DDG 97).
Ashore, his assignments include Navy Liaison to U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, Navy Office of Legislative Affairs; Deputy Executive Assistant, Surface Warfare Directorate on Chief of Naval Operations Staff; Resources and Acquisition Management Office Branch Chief on Joint Staff, J8; Enlisted Placement Branch Head followed by Post Department Head and Post Commander Command Detailing Branch Head at Navy Personnel Command.