SAN DIEGO – Capt. Wayne Liebold, a native of Leesburg, Georgia, relieved Capt. Aaron Taylor as the commanding officer of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex during a traditional change of command ceremony on Aug. 10.
“Taking command of this storied vessel is the privilege of a lifetime,” said Liebold. “As I take command of Essex, I’m honored to lead this legendary ship and remarkable crew.”
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| Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christina Himes, U.S. Navy photo |
The ceremony was held below Essex in the Pride of California Dry Dock at BAE Systems in San Diego.
Liebold attended Georgia Tech from 1993 to 1995 and was commissioned through the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Liebold completed tours with the USS Tarawa, USS Fitzgerald, USS Gary, Naval Surface Forces Pacific and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Liebold assumed command of both the MCM Crew Reaper and USS Montgomery following serving as executive officer.
Liebold reported onboard Essex in March 2022 as executive officer. During Liebold's tour as executive officer, Essex participated in multiple ship-based qualifications and events such as a Board of Inspection and Survey assessment, Los Angeles Fleet Week, Rim of the Pacific 2022 and a Docking Selected Restricted Availability phase where critical maintenance and system updates took place.
“Our mission is vital and we’re entrusted with preparing Essex for any challenge,” said Liebold. “Let’s all strive for excellence every day and ensure the world continues to ‘Take Notice.’”
Essex, commissioned Oct. 17, 1992, is the second of the U.S. Navy’s Wasp class of amphibious assault ships. It is the fifth ship to share its namesake, dating back to the frigate launched in 1799. Essex carries the motto “Take Notice.”
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