CAPT Wayne P. Liebold

Executive Officer, USS ESSEX (LHD 2)

11 April 2022 Captain Liebold is a native of and was raised in Leesburg, Georgia. He attended Georgia Tech from 1993 to 1995. In 1995, Captain Liebold was appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. As a midshipman, he sailed on a variety of commercial ships including container ships, oil tankers and an integrated tug-barge. 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 in Maritime Operations and Technology along with a Coast Guard Unlimited All Gross Tonnage Oceans Third Mate’s License, a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department Certification on Diesel Vessels of any Horsepower, and a Tankerman Person in Charge of Dangerous Liquids.

After completion of Division Officer Course, Captain Liebold was assigned to USS Tarawa (LHA 1) as Electronic Warfare Officer, Electronic Material Officer, and Engineering Training Officer. He deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Determined Response conducting USS Cole recovery operations. His second tour was onboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). During his tour, he deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. 

Captain Liebold completed a department head tour 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. He assumed command in September 2010. He led the crew through three Arabian Gulf deployments, two training cycles, and as the first MCM crew to be certified in Electronic Navigation. He reported as Executive Officer of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) (BLUE) in October 2014. He assumed command of the crew in April 2017. During his tour, the ship completed Crew Certification, Commissioning, Sail-Around, Post-Shakedown Availability and Combat Systems Trials.

On shore duty, Captain Liebold was assigned to Navy ROTC Georgia Tech as a Navigation and Surface Warfare Instructor. He completed his master’s degree in International Affairs at Georgia Tech specializing in WMD proliferation and Asian security issues. He served as the Force Combat Systems Officer at Naval Surface Forces, Pacific. Following Commander Command, he served as a Battle Watch Captain and Senior Crisis Action Team Briefer to the Combatant Commander at US Southern Command. His most recent shore assignment was as a Military Assistant, Office of the Secretary of Defense, planning and executing domestic and international travel for the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.

Captain Liebold’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and various other Joint and Navy awards. CAPT Liebold was selected in 2010 as a member of the NDU’s Program for Emerging Leaders at the Center for the Study of WMD. He was the 2001 winner of the COMNAVSURFPAC Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year.

CAPT Liebold reported onboard USS Essex (LHD 2) in March 2022.