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Navigating Complex Challenges: Navy Leadership In Training Program Kicks Off Class 26-01

Participants of the LIT 2026-01 class pose for group photo

July 2, 2026 | Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command | Fleet and Family Readiness 

WASHINGTON – The Navy’s continued commitment to improving the quality of life for Sailors and families requires leaders who understand the landscape, can navigate complex challenges and look to the future. In April, the Leadership in Training (LIT) program launched its next installment of the Professional Development (PD) course, Class 26-01, providing students with an intensive, multiweek leadership development experience. 

The journey for the LIT PD class began virtually on April 6 with online orientation and foundational briefings based on various Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) programs. Following the virtual sessions, students traveled to the greater Memphis, Tennessee area where they spent several weeks, April 13 to May 1, fully immersed in in-person leadership development.  

As an icebreaker on the first day, students were immediately thrown into problem-solving situations through an escape room challenge. The deliberate exercise set the tone for the course, with facilitators taking a hands-off approach. This strategy encouraged students to rely on one another and use a high level of communication and collaboration. 

“Real work challenges rarely come with a clear set of instructions. By removing ourselves from the equation early on, we forced the students to navigate the friction of problem-solving together and discover that their greatest resource was each other, which is showcased at the end of the program,” explained Hali Naggiar, LIT Program Manager with FFR Training. 

One of the required readings for the LIT PD class introduced a leadership philosophy from Jocko Willink, who stated, “In order to convince and inspire others to follow and accomplish a mission, a leader must be a true believer in the mission…the leader must believe in the greater cause.” This idea is one of the leadership philosophies emphasized in the LIT PD curriculum.

“Not just knowing who our primary stakeholders and their mission, but also our own mission as employees to deliver innovative quality of life (QOL) programming to bolster warfighter readiness and resilience,” said Dr. Rosette Obedoza, FFR Training Officer, who has also been instrumental in initiating the LIT program. “Through the LIT PD program, we take each student on a journey of self- reflection, help them form their own leadership philosophy, and build a stronger coalition with colleagues across the global enterprise and various FFR departments.” 

As a result, the cohort formed an incredibly strong bond that lasted throughout the entire training period.  

The comprehensive curriculum featured deep dives into various FFR departments, team-building exercises and leadership workshops led by Dale Carnegie, Franklin Covey, Echelon Front, Corie Weathers and others. 

According to Paul Cepeda, Information Tickets and Tours (ITT) Program Director at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), his biggest breakthrough was realizing that his knowledge of FFR was not as in-depth as he thought. “The first few days of the virtual sessions made me realize I had a lot of questions, and this program has helped answer many of them, or provided me resources and connections I can utilize,” he said.  

The highlight of the program was the capstone presentations. The class was divided into six groups of three to four students, each tasked with developing a solution to a realistic Navy challenge. Each solution also had to include recommendations to enact change. The groups and projects included:  

Group 1: 

  • Project: Navy MWR Enterprise Loyalty Program 
  • Members: Hunter Goings, Elizabeth Perez, Jay Mozilo and Jennifer Klosterman 

Group 2:  

  • Project: Trauma-Informed Customer Service for Military Resilience 
  • Members: Vicki McKinnon, Afton Matthews, Gina Santiago-Guerrant and Megan Hansson 

Group 3: 

  • Project: Charting the Ripples – Integrated Communication & Workforce Solutions for Navy QOL 
  • Members: Annemarie Ward, Raelene Tajalle, Jenifer Keating and April Tischler 

Group 4: 

  • Project: Standardizing Pilot Program Rollout Across Navy QOL Programs 
  • Members: Erica Swenson, Barbara Villagomez and Virginia Swords 

Group 5: 

  • Project: The Base Life Disconnect – Revitalizing Navy MWR Engagement 
  • Members: Paul Cepeda, Vanessa Ogletree and Michelle Barker 

Group 6: 

  • Project: Bridging the FFR Information Gap – Creating a “No-Wrong-Door” Navy Support Network 
  • Members: Kristyn Birkeland, Genevieve Silva, Tam Nguyen and Yoko Clingensmith 

A panel composed of various FFR leaders selected the winning group. Group 2 was recognized for the Most Innovative idea, Group 4 received the award for the Best Leadership Solution, and Group 6 was honored for Best Performance Delivery and Outstanding Team Collaboration. 

When asked what she would say to a student who was on the fence about applying for the LIT program, Megan Hansson, Aquatics Coordinator at Naval Station (NS) Mayport, responded, “One word: GO!” She continued, “It’s one of the best leadership courses I have ever been to, and I have been to many. From learning in detail about FFR programs, leadership and program management to learning how to communicate effectively across all generations, FFR employees definitely need to go.” 

For Class 26-01, graduation was merely the launchpad. The work continues as students return to their installations and regions, taking with them newfound knowledge to implement and share as they resume their responsibilities supporting Sailors and their families. 

For the complete employee guide, interested candidates can visit the official LIT webpage. FFR employees interested in applying can reach out to their Regional Training Team for more information.

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This is an Official U.S. Navy Website Commander, Navy Installations Command.

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