On 6 November 2024, the United States Navy relieved Captain Lester Brown, Jr., from his position as commanding officer of the Navy Leadership and Ethics Command (NLEC) San Diego, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
The decision was made by Captain Shawn T. Bailey, the commander of the Naval Ethics and Leadership Center.
Following his removal, the U.S. Navy Captain Brown has been reassigned to the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. While specific reasons for the decision were not disclosed, the action reflects the Navy’s commitment to maintaining high standards of leadership within its ranks.
In the interim, Captain Richard Zeber from the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center in Newport, Rhode Island, has been appointed to lead NLEC San Diego temporarily. His assignment aims to ensure stability and continuity in the command’s mission and operations.
NLEC San Diego’s role is to provide leadership training and education for Navy officers who have not yet taken command positions, as well as to deliver courses for the Navy’s enlisted leader development programme. Captain Brown had held his command since September 2022.
In the context of military leadership, a “loss of confidence” refers to a commanding officer’s superiors no longer believing that the officer can effectively perform their duties or maintain the standards required for command. This can stem from a variety of reasons, such as concerns over leadership abilities, judgement, conduct, performance, or failure to meet specific expectations of responsibility.
However, the specific details behind a “loss of confidence” are often not disclosed publicly. In many cases, this phrase is used as a general explanation without detailing specific incidents or issues, as military institutions typically avoid disclosing internal matters related to personnel.
Tradition continues
Just like Trump’s 1st term. Revolving door personnel.
Did you mean Harris? As 90% of her staff resigned in the first 3 years. Or did the BBC propaganda machine leave that bit out?
Likely Both.
I was a bit mystified by the photo at the top and wondered whether that was from the occasion of the dismissal!! A few drinks and some snacks afterwards? 🙂
Got to be careful getting Marie Rose sauce on those dress whites…
I think a voice from over the pond could put some useful input on this. Americans have a very different outlook on day to day life. The UCJ lays down firm guidelines. However individuals in command positions can put their own slant on things. For instance a company commander I came across insisted on prayers at the start of each day. There was a definite whiff of evangelical approach around him. I think if the same ethics applied in the UK there would a few more getting a pier head jump. It would be interesting to hear from over the… Read more »
He was relieved over a matter of “personal conduct” not involving another sailor. And,he was relieved after a command investigation which indicates no criminal activity. The “personal conduct” could mean any number of things, but it does not involve “command issues.”
As I said a matter we would take no action. You can read between the lines and in our system would probably be put down to a personal matter.
ExR, wading in from across the pond. RN currently embedded with the USN. You are completely correct the Command climate surrounding the position of ‘CO’ is far from what we would recognize. Religion, as you hint at, plays a far wider part of routines than many Brits would be comfortable with. Any ship with a Chaplain (which is being broadened to include all escorts) will have evening prayers whilst underway and normally multiple-services daily services. Whilst local, I don’t have the gen on this one. But whilst we see a consistent flow of US COs being removed it is important… Read more »
Thanks for your input. Interesting to see you are having similar experiences to myself thirty years ago. Obviously yourself from the Andrew and USN myself the Corps and USMC. In my time you could months and not see the Skypilot in a Commando unit. In the US it was hard to avoid him daily. Most Ogroups started with a prayer. Often giving thanks for a newborn child to a unit member. We even prayed for a senior officer to make a speedy recovery from what seemed as I recall something routine. When the MEU went ashore the church Marquee was… Read more »
Woke is walking the plank 🏳️🌈 😁 Don the maniac wants peace not war, the hawks are “FIRED” the Houthis want peace, the Arabs want peace, Russia wants peace and China wants peace. The doves are in.😂
The old maxim ‘if you want peace prepare for war’ may just save our civilization. ❤️✌️
Trump is selling out to putin ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN WHEN TRUMP IGNORED PUTIN MASSING TROOPS ON UKRAINE’S BOARDER RIDICULING THE AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE, HES PUTIN’S PATSY, ITS NOT HiS LAND TO GIVE AWAY, NONE OF THEM CAN BE TRUSTED TO HAVE ANY ONES BEST INTEREST EXCEPT THEIR OWN…
Opinions lay between knowledge and ignorance brother ! ✌️❤️
There is something fishy about this and that too.
Is the US navy removing peace time commanders to replace them with war time commanders? Seems strange so many so quickly.
The next day a female Commander was relieved from her command as CO of the Naval Information Warfare Training Group San Diego due to personal misconduct (see USNI). I’m not saying these two cases are related, but it makes one wonder whether there are any dots to connect.
No war no money for big inc
Go woke go broke
Pay attention Mod.