Courtesy Photo | 210029-N-ZZ999-1001 PEARL HARBOR (May 7, 2021) - Cmdr. Kelechi Ndukwe becomes...... read more read more
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PEARL HARBOR – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), held a historic change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 1.
Cmdr. Kelechi Ndukwe relieved Cmdr. DeVere Crooks to become Halsey’s thirteenth commanding officer and the second Nigerian-American to command a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer. The first Nigerian-American to command a destroyer was Capt. Frank Okata who commanded USS Pinckney (DDG 91) from 2013 to 2015.
“I am honored by this great opportunity to continue to serve and lead in our Navy,” said Ndukwe. “I would not have reached this milestone without the prayers and support of my family, as well as the example of those that came before me like Captain Okata. The privilege of commanding a warship is not one I take lightly and I am excited to make a positive impact, represent my family well, and defend our Nation.”
During his remarks at the ceremony, Ndukwe expressed his gratitude for all of the guidance and mentorship he has received throughout his time in the Navy.
“Some of the best leadership advice I have received over the course of my career is to be an example, lead with integrity, be yourself, and the little things have huge impacts,” said Ndukwe.
He became emotional when talking about his parents, who he considers the most important source of guidance throughout his life. Ndukwe’s mother and father came to the United States from Nigeria in 1977. They had dreams of building a better life for themselves and their family. According to Ndukwe, his parents always told him, “In America, anything is possible.”
“My parents placed a premium on education and hard work as the foundation for success,” said Ndukwe. “My siblings and I witnessed our parents push through difficult situations and challenges, always sacrificing as much as they could to reach their end goal. Their end goal, I later learned, was to provide an opportunity for their children to become successful and I can honestly say they accomplished that. I am incredibly grateful and blessed for all they have done and now carry that same determination with me every day.”
“Diversity of cultures, thought, and backgrounds can only make our Navy stronger. We all have different strengths,” said Ndukwe. “Embracing and respecting those strengths, and getting everyone moving in the same direction makes for a better team atmosphere and a winning mentality.”
Ndukwe previously served as the ship’s executive officer from September 2019 to February 2021. He has been a career surface warfare officer for 19 years.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2021 17:15 |
| Story ID: | 395950 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 2,643 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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