Hopper, Port Royal Return to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

USS Port Royal CG-73. US Navy File Photo

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors of USS Port Royal (CG 73) and USS Hopper (DDG 70) returned to their homeport of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor May 2 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific as part of the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in support of the war on terrorism.

"It's fantastic to be home with the family and be able to take some time to relax," said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW/NAC) Rex Farmley, assigned to Port Royal. "The deployment was amazing, the ship did a lot of wonderful things and it was very well-executed."

As the two ships approached the pier, Hopper was greeted with hula dancers and Port Royal listened to the sounds of the Army 25th Infantry Division Band. Family and friends of the two crews lined the pier waving 'welcome home' signs and cheering the Sailors.

"It's been a long six months, but it's a great feeling to know they're finally home," said the wife of a Port Royal Sailor.

After the ships moored and the brows were in place, the two ships each held "first kiss" ceremonies and Sailors rushed to greet their loved ones waiting on the pier.

"This deployment has proven that our ship is capable of successfully completing any mission it's tasked with," said Cmdr. Jeffrey James, commanding officer of Hopper. "Our crew has risen to the challenge of every task and performed superbly throughout our underway time. Now we are all eager to return to our Ohana and enjoy the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands."

Both ships departed NAVSTA Pearl Harbor Nov. 12, 2007 to join the Tarawa ESG. While on deployment, Port Royal and Hopper provided support to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh after Tropical Cyclone Sidr, took part in operations in the Horn of Africa, and conducted maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf.

Combined, the two ships made port visits to Singapore; Penang, Malaysia; Bahrain; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Phuket, Thailand; Palau; and Guam during the deployment. While on liberty, Sailors took in the culture and customs the areas had to offer.

USS Hopper DDG-70. US Navy File Photo.