USS Hopper Returns from Seven-Month Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) April 23, to a crowded pier of family and friends following a scheduled seven-month deployment.

Hopper departed JBPHH Sep. 14, 2009, for an independent deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibilities (AOR).

Lt. Cmdr. Al Lopez, Hopper's executive officer, noted the great teamwork that the crew displayed throughout the deployment.

"Hopper's success during this last deployment belongs completely to the Sailors," said Lopez. "In all that they were called to do, the crew approached their missions with a professionalism and competence that cannot help but make America proud."

While on deployment, Hopper conducted baseline operations for Coalition Task Force (CTF) 152, including maritime patrols, bridge queries and visit, board, search and seizure approach operations while in the 5th Fleet AOR.

Hopper Sailors also volunteered their time during several community relations projects while in the 7th Fleet AOR.

"Overall, we had a very successful deployment as Hopper supported the mission of the Navy and the United States," said Hopper Command Master Chief Jay Stuckey. "Hopper's performance was nothing short of outstanding."

Friends and families of Hopper Sailors were enthused to see the crew return home.

Guided-missile destroyers provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups or amphibious ready groups.