Navy fires CO of Leadership and Ethics Command San Diego 

The Navy ousted the commanding officer of the Navy Leadership and Ethics Command San Diego on Wednesday.

Capt. Lester Brown, Jr., was removed from his position due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” the Navy said in a statement Wednesday.

Brown took the helm of Navy Leadership and Ethics Command San Diego in 2022, and previously served as the executive and commanding officer of the destroyer McFaul, according to his official Navy biography, which has since been removed.

Brown is now reassigned to Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, while Capt. Richard Zeber from Navy Leadership and Ethics Newport will temporarily fulfill commanding officer duties at Navy Leadership and Ethic Command San Diego.

No additional details were immediately available, and the Navy rarely shares any insight regarding firing commanding officers apart from the “loss of confidence” statement.

Navy Leadership and Ethics Command San Diego is responsible for spearheading training for officers who have yet to take command, as well as training for the Navy’s enlisted leader development program.