CAPT Tim LaBenz

Past Commodore, Commander Destroyer Squadron SEVEN (CDS 7)

09 September 2022 Captain Tim LaBenz, a native of Philadelphia, PA, enlisted in the Navy and earned his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) through the Enlisted Commissioning Program from Temple University. His first sea tours were aboard USS MONTEREY (CG 61), Norfolk, VA, as the Communications Officer, and USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), in Mayport, FL, as First Division Officer, Deck Department.

Following his initial sea tours he reported to the staff of International Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, RI. During this tour he graduated from the U.S. Naval War College with a Masters of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, and concurrently earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Norwich University.

LaBenz served his department head tours as Operations Officer in USS ROOSEVELT (DDG 80), Mayport, FL, and as Operations Officer aboard Destroyer Squadron 60 in Naples, Italy.

Ashore, he served as the detailer for second tour department heads and early command officers at Navy Personnel Command, Surface Officer Distribution Division (PERS-41) in Millington, TN. He subsequently earned his Joint Professional Military Education (Phase II) from the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, and reported to Headquarters, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, where he served as the Branch Head for Strategic Resources responsible for EUCOM’s Program Objective Memorandum and Budget.

In April 2015, LaBenz reported as the Executive Officer aboard USS SAMPSON (DDG 102) and assumed command in September 2016. Highlights during his command tour include earning the 2016-18 Battle Effectiveness Award from 2016-2018, the Golden Anchor award for retention, Fifth and Seventh Fleet deployment as part of the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Strike Group, and providing earthquake relief efforts during the ship’s historic visit to New Zealand, marking the first U.S. Navy ship to visit the country in over thirty years.

Prior to reporting as Deputy Commodore at Destroyer Squadron 7 in December 2020, LaBenz was assigned to PERS-41 as the Branch Head (PERS-412), responsible for detailing all SWO junior officer for assignments as division officers, department heads and early command officers. LaBenz assumed command of Destroyer Squadron SEVEN in September 2022.

LaBenz has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other unit and campaign service medals and ribbons.