USS Laboon DDG 58

• Named After a Hero: USS Laboon (DDG 58) is named after Father John Francis Laboon, a Navy chaplain and World War II submarine hero who was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery. • Arleigh Burke-Class: Laboon is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, commissioned on March 18, 1995, and is equipped with the Aegis Combat System. • First to Fire Tomahawks in Combat: In 1996, USS Laboon became the first U.S. Navy ship to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles in combat during Operation Desert Strike in Iraq. • Rescue Operations: In August 2007, Laboon assisted in rescuing mariners from a sinking merchant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. • Black Sea Deployments: Laboon has entered the Black Sea multiple times, including in 2015 and 2021, as part of U.S. efforts to support regional allies and demonstrate freedom of navigation. • Anti-Piracy Patrols: USS Laboon has participated in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Africa, including support to Operation Ocean Shield and Combined Task Force 151. • Syria Strikes: In April 2018, Laboon was one of the U.S. Navy ships that launched Tomahawk missiles during strikes on Syrian chemical weapons facilities. • Humanitarian Missions: The destroyer has supported humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including exercises and real-world events. • Homeport: Laboon is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, one of the largest naval bases in the world. • Crest Symbolism: The ship's crest features a cross and dolphins, representing Father Laboon's service as both a chaplain and a submariner.