The class is named after Admiral Arleigh Burke, an American destroyer officer in World War II, and later Chief of Naval Operations. The lead ship, USS Arleigh Burke, was commissioned during Admiral Burke’s lifetime. By this appointment, Ndukwe, a native of Okoko-Item in Abia East-Central, Abia State, and graduate of Notre Dame and the US Naval War College, became the first Nigerian-American to command a U.S. Navy war ship. Addressing the ship’s crew, Ndukwe said: “I am so honoured and excited to serve as your commanding officer. He also spoke about his ties with his Igbo roots, which he said informed the decision to name their daughter Kamara.

Source: The Guardian April 17, 2021 04:17 UTC