CDR Kelechi R. Ndukwe

Past Commanding Officer, USS Halsey (DDG 97)

01 April 2021 A native of Columbus, Ohio, CDR 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, CDR 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 on USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6).  He assumed Command of SWERVE and transitioned SWERVE to Permanent Crewing of DEVASTATOR in Bahrain.  His most recent assignment was as Executive Officer of USS HALSEY (DDG 97).    
 
Ashore, his assignments include Navy Liaison to U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, Navy Office of Legislative Affairs; Deputy Executive Assistant, Surface Warfare Directorate on Chief of Naval Operations Staff; and as Resources and Acquisition Management Office Branch Chief on Joint Staff, J8.
 
 CDR Ndukwe’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.