Editing Stephen Luce (section)

==== Newport ====
In 1881, Luce was promoted to [[Commodore (United States)|commodore]], and commanded the U.S. Navy Training Squadron in Newport from April 1881 to June 1884.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Luce, Stephen B.|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/research-guides/z-files/zb-files/zb-files-l/luce-stephen-b.html|access-date=2020-06-25|website=NHHC|language=en-US}}</ref>

While in command of the Training Squadron, Luce developed and implemented the apprentice training program—the first formal program for training American enlisted sailors. Luce's plan was to have bright and healthy young men, 14 to 17 years old, serve a three-year apprenticeship with the Training Squadron during which they received an academic education and hands-on seamanship training.

The "boys" were typically enlisted around 14 or 15 and typically served until 21, when they could extend their service in the Navy. Previously, the Navy had taken recruits with no prior experience; all training of enlisted sailors was "on the job". Many recruits lacked the discipline and skills necessary to be useful. The program ended when the United States entered the [[First World War]] in April 1917 and began to train sailors far more rapidly as the Navy expanded.

Based on Luce's urgings and exhaustive reports, the [[Naval War College]] at [[Newport, Rhode Island]], was established on October 6, 1884. Luce served as its first president. In 1885, he was promoted to [[rear admiral (United States)|rear admiral]], and the next year handed off the presidency to Captain [[Alfred Thayer Mahan]].