Guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment, Jan. 21.

Laboon is deploying as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Laboon spent the last five months conducting intensive training and certification exercises in preparation for deployment. These preparations enabled Laboon and GHWBCSG to be capable of performing a wide variety of missions across the globe, ranging from counter-piracy and ground support operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the world.

The GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff and 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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