Malibu's Adopted Naval Ship Heads to Persian Gulf

The crew of the naval destroyer that visited Malibu in June is on its way to an assignment in the Persian Gulf. The USS John Paul Jones departed from San Diego Tuesday morning. The  on Monday adjourned its meeting in honor of the John Paul Jones' crew.

"I would like to adjourn the meeting in good spirits and have [the crew] follow a fair path to safety, and may they come back and visit us again," Council member Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner said.

Malibu Navy League President John Payne wrote an email to the ship's commanding officer, Cmdr. Chris Cegielski, Tuesday morning.

"Your friends in Malibu, California wish each and every one of you a safe passage from San Diego through the Indian Ocean, Straits of Hormuz and eventually, to your assignment in the Persian Gulf," Payne wrote. "We appreciate what you do for us, 24 hours a day, especially, as you deploy into harm's way."

He continued, "Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for being a part of our community during  [in] June 2011. We're honored to be associated with the John Paul Jones and its sailors. Be safe, be proud."