The guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) returned to her homeport of Norfolk, Va., July 20, following a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier strike group.

Under the leadership of Cmdr. Jason Labott, Laboon officers and crew conducted a variety of operations with multinational allies including two months of counter smuggling operations, seizing more than $50 million dollars in illicit narcotics. Laboon also conducted two of the oldest naval traditions, the Shellback ceremony for crossing the equator, and the Blue Nose ceremony for crossing the Arctic Circle.

"Laboon crew members said goodbye to their families and friends six months ago on Jan. 21st, as they departed for deployment," said Labott. "In the roughly 180 days that Laboon has been gone, the officers and Sailors have accomplished so much. It's staggering. I couldn't be more proud of this crew and the dedication and drive they have shown each and every day."

Logging more than 50,000 nautical miles, Laboon traversed several major choke points in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet. From transiting the Strait of Gibraltar to the Suez Canal in order to conduct operations in Middle East, to transiting the English Channel for operations in the North Atlantic Ocean, Laboon led the way for the Strike Group.

"I think it was an outstanding deployment," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Joshua Johnson. "I've witnessed a lot of success over these last six months. More personally for a lot of folks, they put a lot of time and effort into growing. I got promoted and that felt incredible. But, I am more proud of the fact that so many others were promoted as well. They've earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification. Overall, it's been a great run."

Laboon's crew tirelessly and with outstanding professional dedication, tackled some noteworthy feats. During the two month operational commitment to maritime interdiction operations, the visit, board, search and seizure team boarded more than 30 foreign flagged vessels and seized more than 680 kilograms of narcotics valued at more than $50 million.

It wasn't all work and no play during the course of deployment. The crew was treated to some exotic port visits including the Seychelles, Amsterdam, Germany, Greece, and Dubai.

"My favorite part of deployment was the ports we visited in Europe and the Middle East," said Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Shannon Earl, who also deployed on Laboon in 2015. "Even though I was able to see many places in Europe on our last deployment, everywhere we went this deployment was new to me. From Athens to Dubai, and so many other places in between, I met so many people and learned about many different cultures around the world."

Following operations in the 5th and 6th fleets there was a stint in the Arctic Circle for a couple weeks, where the sun never set and the Sailors earned the title of "Blue Nose." However, once Laboon's time in the north was done, sights were set on returning home.

"This deployment has been such an amazing experience for me, from the beautiful places we got to visit to the friends and relationships I've built up over these last months," said Ship's Serviceman Seaman India Lowe. "I am so grateful for the opportunities I've been given on this deployment and so excited for the things to come."

Electronics Technician 1st Class Almonte Miller stated that, while this was his third deployment, it was his first on a destroyer and he was able to experience a different side of the Navy.

"This deployment in particular was very special because the Laboon team felt more like a family to me than ever before, and it was my first as a leading Petty Officer," he said. "Knowing everyone on board will be coming home safe, and that we accomplished the mission is the best feeling a Navy leader can have."

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Carrier strike group is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff, guided-missile destroyers Laboon and USS Truxtun (DDG 103); and Mayport-based guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66).


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