CAPT Wayne Liebold

Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1

01 August 2025 Captain Liebold, a native of Leesburg, Georgia, attended Georgia Tech from 1993 to 1995 and received his commission through the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He qualified for his enlisted submarine dolphins and strategic deterrent patrol pin while assigned to USS Alaska (SSBN 732). He holds a bachelor’s degree along with a USCG Unlimited Third Mate’s License, a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department, and a Tankerman Person in Charge of Dangerous Liquids.

On sea duty, He was assigned to USS Tarawa (LHA 1) as Electronic Warfare Officer, Electronic Material Officer, and Engineering Training Officer. During his tour, he assisted with USS Cole recovery operations. Subsequent tours include USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), and onboard USS Gary (FFG 51) as Chief Engineer. He was selected for early command and reported to MCM Crew Reaper as Executive Officer in April 2009, and assumed command in September 2010 and led the crew through three Arabian Gulf deployments. He reported as Executive Officer of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) (BLUE) in October 2014, and assumed command in April 2017. Captain Liebold reported as Executive Officer of USS Essex (LHD 2) in March 2022 and assumed command in August 2023. He reported as Commodore, Amphibious Squadron ONE in August 2025.

On shore duty, CAPT Liebold was assigned to Navy ROTC Georgia Tech. He completed his master’s degree in International Affairs. He served as the Force Combat Systems Officer at Naval Surface Forces, Pacific. He served as a Battle Watch Captain and Senior Briefer to the Combatant Commander at U.S. Southern Command. His most recent shore assignment was Military Assistant, Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Captain Liebold’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and various other Joint and Navy awards. He was selected in 2010 as a member of the National Defense University’s Program for Emerging Leaders at the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction and was the 2001 winner of the COMNAVSURFPAC Junior Officer Ship Handler of the Year.