Born on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and raised in Sembach, Germany, Lt.j.g. Verbis graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma with a Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Science in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.
Verbis enlisted in the Navy Oct. 2009, becoming the sixth-generation service member in his family. He was commissioned in 2021 and completed Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island in 2022.
In 2012, Verbis deployed to Afghanistan (for the 2nd-time) as a member of Task Force Anchor, NMCB-133. He was stationed in the Helmand Province, Camp Leatherneck, served on the Quick Reaction Force, routinely mobilized on convoys, and was awarded Junior Sailor of the Year.
Verbis was assigned to Naval Public Affairs Support Element West in June 2013, under the leadership Capt. Paula Dunn. There he was awarded Junior Sailor of the Year for the second time and was assigned temporary duty to the 75th Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus.
From 2018-2021 Verbis was stationed at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet in Naples, Italy, where he served on the public affairs team of Adm. James G. Foggo, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. He travelled extensively with the admiral’s staff to events around Europe and Africa. He documented numerous international exercises, diplomatic engagements and acted as the release authority for all U.S. Navy PA assets in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations.
Behind the scenes, Verbis was the subject matter expert and producer of the Navy’s top podcast, ‘Adm. Foggo: On the Horizon’ which earned a Russell Egnor Media Award.
In 2021 Verbis completed temporary duty assignment to U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, winter training onboard NAF El Centro. There he photographed the first-ever "Super-Delta" formation with the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. He also co-produced the first-ever radio broadcast of a Navy airshow which received the Thompson-Ravitz award for Innovation in Public Affairs.
Lt.j.g. Verbis is Seabee Combat Warfare (E) and Expeditionary Warfare (E) Officer. His awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service, Global War on Terrorism Service, Sea Service (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Pistol Expert, Rifle Expert and other unit and campaign awards.
