Captain Laughton is a native of North Carolina and a 1979 graduate of Arizona State University. He holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Following commissioning in 1980 through Aviation Officer Candidate School, Captain Laughton was designated a Naval Aviator in 1981. He completed his first fleet tour with VP-24, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, deploying to the Mediterranean, Iceland and Bermuda. Following this tour, he reported to VP-30, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Instructor Under Training Standardization Officer and Pilot NATOPS Officer/Alternate Commander Naval Air Forces, Atlantic Fleet P-3 Pilot Evaluator.

In 1988 Captain Laughton reported aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71), where he was assigned as the V-2 Division Officer and participated in the TR s maiden deployment to the Mediterranean.

Returning to shore duty in 1990, he served as Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C.

Captain Laughton then reported to VP-11, NAS Brunswick, Maine, where he served as Total Quality Coordinator, Safety/NATOPS Officer, Administrative Officer, and Maintenance Officer. Captain Laughton deployed with the Pegasus to NAS Sigonella, Sicily, in support of Operation SHARP GUARD and concurrently served as the Officer-in-Charge Patron Det Charlie, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under the operational control of CTG-152.1. He led the detachment while conducting maritime intercept operations in the Red Sea. Additionally, he deployed to NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in support of Atlantic Fleet counter-drug operations.

In the fall of 1994, Captain Laughton reported to Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare Division, where he served as the Head, Aviation Plans and Programs. During this tour Captain Laughton was selected for aviation command and subsequently reported to the Naval War College as a student.

Following Naval War College in July 1996, Captain Laughton reported to 8th Flying Training Squadron, Vance AFB, Oklahoma, as the Executive Officer/Deputy for Operations. In September 1997, he assumed command of the 8-Ballers.

Following his command tour in October 1998, Captain Laughton reported on board USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT as ship s Navigator.

In October 2000, he reported to Headquarters Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia and was assigned to the Strategic Concepts and Policy Branch.

In August 2003, Captain Laughton reported to U.S. Naval Air Station Keflavik as Commanding Officer. On September 30, 2006 Captain Laughton executed the closure of Naval Air Station Keflavik and reported on board NROTC Unit Vanderbilt University as Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science.

During his career, Captain Laughton has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards. During his tour as Maintenance Officer his squadron was awarded the Golden Wrench for P-3 maintenance excellence.