USN

USS Laboon (DDG-58) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1995. Named in honor of Father John Francis Laboon, a decorated World War II submarine officer and Navy chaplain, the ship has participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, Arabian Gulf, and off the coast of Africa. USS Laboon has been involved in key missions such as supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, as well as NATO exercises and maritime security operations. The ship continues to serve as a vital asset to the U.S. Navy, specializing in air defense, surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.

USS **Lake Champlain (CG-57)** is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 12, 1988. Named after the historic naval battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812, the ship has served extensively in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Over her career, Lake Champlain participated in numerous operations, including support for Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf and humanitarian assistance missions in the Pacific. The cruiser has also been a vital part of carrier strike groups, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities until her decommissioning in 2023.

USS Louisiana (SSBN-731) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on September 6, 1997. As the eighteenth and final boat of her class, Louisiana plays a vital role in the nation's strategic deterrence, capable of carrying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. She operates out of Naval Base Kitsap in Washington as part of Submarine Squadron 17, conducting deterrent patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Over her service, USS Louisiana has exemplified the silent service's commitment to readiness and national security.

USS LST-561 was a United States Navy tank landing ship (LST) constructed during World War II. Commissioned in May 1944, she was part of the LST-542 class, designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers. LST-561 participated in the European Theater, notably supporting operations during the invasion of southern France in August 1944. After the war, she was decommissioned in May 1946 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register, marking the end of her service.

**USS LUCID (AM-458)** was an Aggressive-class minesweeper built for the United States Navy during the Cold War. Commissioned in 1955, USS LUCID was tasked with detecting and removing naval mines to ensure safe passage for allied vessels. She served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in training exercises and readiness operations, including deployments to the Western Pacific. The ship was decommissioned in 1970 and later used as a civilian houseboat before being acquired for restoration as a museum ship in Stockton, California.

USS Macon (CA-132) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on August 26, 1945, just after the end of World War II. Although she missed wartime service, Macon was actively engaged during the postwar years, participating in numerous training exercises, goodwill cruises, and fleet maneuvers in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. She served as flagship for various cruiser divisions and took part in NATO operations, helping to project American naval power and foster alliances during the early Cold War period. USS Macon was decommissioned on March 10, 1961, and ultimately struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1969.

USS Maddox (DD-731) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing fire support at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and participating in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. After the war, Maddox was modernized and saw further service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces along the Korean Peninsula. Most notably, USS Maddox became famous for her involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964, which played a key role in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

USS Mahan (DDG-72) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on 14 February 1998. Named after Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, a noted naval historian and strategist, the ship has participated in various key operations, including maritime security patrols, ballistic missile defense, and multi-national exercises. USS Mahan has deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Atlantic Ocean, supporting missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Active Endeavor. The vessel gained attention in 2013 when it was involved in a standoff with Iranian boats in the Persian Gulf, demonstrating its ongoing role in safeguarding U.S. and allied interests worldwide.

USS Massey (DD-778) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Lieutenant Commander Lance E. Massey, the ship saw active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital gunfire support and anti-aircraft defense. After the war, USS Massey was involved in the Korean War, supporting UN forces with shore bombardments and patrol duties. The destroyer later served during the Vietnam War before being decommissioned in 1973, ending nearly three decades of distinguished service.