On June 18, 2021, the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center (NLEC) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Newport, welcoming Capt. Stephen J. Ilteris as the new commanding officer and bidding farewell to Capt. Derek Granger, who had held the position since August 2019. Under Granger’s leadership, NLEC expanded its reach by establishing locations in Virginia Beach and San Diego, focusing on building an effective command triad comprising master chiefs, executive officers, and commanding officers, as well as supporting their spouses.
Granger led significant transitions during his tenure, specifically shifting NLEC’s alignment from the U.S. Naval War College to the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). He emphasized the importance of character development, ethical decision-making, and the overarching goal of operational readiness across the Navy. He stated that the Navy’s effectiveness relies heavily on the integrity and honor of its personnel, asserting that ethics should be integrated into every aspect of their duties.
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Granger and his team adapted by transitioning to online course delivery while maintaining educational quality to support the Navy’s Culture of Excellence initiative. This initiative aims to instill positive behaviors and role models within the Navy, and Granger’s efforts ensured that leadership training remained comprehensive and relevant.
During his command, Granger also initiated a year-long academic research project focused on officer development, which helped to incorporate behavioral ethics and decision science into the leadership curriculum. Praising the accomplishments of his team, Granger expressed gratitude for their collective efforts and support from Navy leadership. He personally engaged with over 4,000 Navy leaders and their spouses, fostering discussions about enduring leadership principles and the implications of decision-making.
Granger, originally from Millbrook, Alabama, is retiring after 30 years of distinguished service. His extensive career includes roles as a surface warfare officer on various ships, commanding officer positions, and responsibilities at notable institutions, including the U.S. Naval Academy and the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He holds master’s degrees from the University of Rhode Island and the U.S. Naval War College.
Capt. Ilteris, who assumed command at NLEC following his tenure as commanding officer of USS Anchorage (LPD 23), is also a seasoned surface warfare officer. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Ilteris is a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. His maritime career encompasses service across multiple naval vessels and significant shore assignments, including roles at U.S. Strategic Command.
The NLEC operates under the NETC, which is headed by Rear Adm. Peter Garvin, marking a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s force development and training initiatives. For more information, the public can visit the official NLEC website.
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