By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael J. Lieberknecht
NORFOLK, Va. - To conduct ballistic missile defense operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) deployed today from Naval Station Norfolk.
Electronic Technician 2nd Class James Heichel explained that they are ready and excited for this opportunity be part of a mission without limits.
“This is going to be a really great deployment; the crew is really focused, and we are looking forward to doing our jobs and hopefully delivering freedom along the way,” said Heichel.
In preparation for their deployment, the Laboon crew just completed their composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group. The crew trained during exercises involving small boat operations, routine flight operations, weapons firing and damage control drills.
“Laboon is a great ship capable of extraordinary things and will be used as a tool to deliver a message to the other side of the world,” said Command Master Chief James Roberts. “We are deploying to support our allies in our never-ending mission to stand up for what is right.”
Commissioned in 1995, Laboon is the eighth Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the only Navy ship named after a Navy chaplain. Father “Jake” Laboon was awarded the Silver Star during World War II for diving off his submarine to rescue a downed aviator while under enemy fire.
For more information, visit the ship’s website at http://www.navy.mil/local/ddg58/.
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2015 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 154479 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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