Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) participated in an officer exchange between the U.S. and French navies aboard the French Marine Nationale anti-air frigate FS Jean Bart (D 615) in the Mediterranean Sea Jan. 11.
Cmdr. Christopher F. Cigna, Laboon’s commanding officer, and five other officers assigned to the Laboon visited the French ship to promote international maritime efforts between the two navies, while strengthening bonds with the crew.
“We were fortunate to enjoy the gracious hospitality of our French hosts,” said Cigna. “I was impressed by their professionalism and friendliness.”
Laboon’s officers discussed the differences in training between the two navies and toured the ship. “It was a great opportunity to see how another navy operates and to find out more about another country’s capabilities,” said Lt. j.g. Kodi Lock, Laboon’s damage control assistant.
Following the exchange, Laboon hosted six officers from Jean Bart, including the ship’s executive officer. Commissioned in 1995, Laboon is the eighth Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and is the only Navy Ship named after a Navy chaplain. Father “Jake” Laboon was awarded the Silver Star during World War II for diving off of his submarine to rescue a downed aviator while under enemy fire.
Laboon, homeported out of Norfolk, Va., is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 16, 2013