In 1978 he graduated with distinction from the United States. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He earned a Master"s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College as a distinguished graduate in 1994, and subsequently completed the National Security Management Program at the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2001.
Vice Admiral Leidig’s operational tours include service in both attack and ballistic missile submarines. He served on United States Ship Henry L. Stimson, United States Ship Sam Rayburn, United States Ship Stonewall Jackson and as Executive Officer on United States Ship Pogy. He received the David Lloyd Leadership Award and the L.Y. Spear Award upon completion of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course.
In 1994, Vice Admiral Leidig assumed command of United States Ship Cavalla.
Under his command Cavalla earned two Meritorious Unit Commendations and in 1996 was awarded the Navy Battle Efficiency ‘East’, Engineering Excellence ‘East’, and Tactical Operations Excellence ‘T’. In 1999, he subsequently served as Commander, Submarine Development Squadron Five where he was the operational commander for the Navy’s Deep Submergence Program and the Tactical Development Authority for the Submarine Force’s off-hull sensors, Arctic warfare and submarine rescue and escape programs.
While the Commandant, Admiral Leidig was known for advocating positive leadership.
Vice Admiral Leidig’s personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (four awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal along with other unit and service awards.
Vice Admiral Leidig’s staff assignments include service as Material Officer on Submarine Squadron Eleven staff, as Senior Member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, United States. Atlantic Fleet, as Assistant Deputy Director for Regional Operations on the Joint Staff and as Executive Assistant to the Director of the Joint Staff, and two tours at the United States. Naval Academy as an instructor and later as the 80th Commandant of Midshipmen.
