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USS Hopper
USS Hopper
USS Hopper
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USS Hopper at Pearl Harbor on 20 May 2016
History
United States
NameHopper
NamesakeGrace Hopper
Ordered8 April 1992
BuilderBath Iron Works
Laid down23 February 1995
Launched6 January 1996
Commissioned6 September 1997
Home portPearl Harbor
Identification
MottoAude et effice (transl. Dare and do)
Nickname(s)Amazing Grace[1]
Statusin active service
Badge
General characteristics
Class & typeArleigh Burke-class destroyer
Displacement
  • Light: approx. 6,800 long tons (6,900 t)
  • Full: approx. 8,900 long tons (9,000 t)
Length505 ft (154 m)
Beam59 ft (18 m)
Draft31 ft (9.4 m)
Propulsion2 × shafts
SpeedIn excess of 30 kn (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range4,400 nmi (8,100 km; 5,100 mi) at 20 kn (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement
Sensors &
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × Sikorsky MH-60R

USS Hopper (DDG-70) is an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight I) Aegis guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, named for the pioneering computer scientist Rear Admiral Grace Hopper.[5]

Hopper is only the second US Navy warship to be named for a woman from the Navy's own ranks. This ship is the 20th destroyer of her class. Hopper was the 11th ship of this class to be built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and construction began on 23 February 1995. She was launched and christened on 6 January 1996. On 6 September 1997, she was commissioned in San Francisco.

Service history

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Deployments

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Hopper has participated in multiple deployments to East Asia and the Persian Gulf, including RIMPAC 98, three individual PACMEF deployments, an Expeditionary Strike Group deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2004, and a deployment to Southeast Asia in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2006. In addition, Hopper has been foremost in the field of Ballistic Missile Defense.[6]

On 1 April 2002, Hopper departed for a six-month deployment to the North Persian Gulf.

On 12 November 2007, Hopper departed with the USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group for a scheduled deployment to the Fifth Fleet and Seventh Fleet.[7]

On 6 January 2008, Hopper was involved in an incident with five gunboats of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Hopper, along with USS Port Royal, a guided missile cruiser, and USS Ingraham, a guided missile frigate, were entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz when the five Iranian boats approached them at high speed and in a threatening manner. The US Navy ships had been in the Arabian Sea searching for a sailor who had been missing from Hopper for 24 hours. The US Navy said the Iranian boats made "threatening" moves toward the US Navy vessels, coming as close as 200 yards (180 m). The US Navy received a radio transmission saying, "I am coming to you. You will explode after a few minutes." As the US Navy ships prepared to fire, the Iranians abruptly turned away, the US officials said. Before leaving, the Iranians dropped white boxes into the water in front of the US Navy ships. The US Navy ships did not investigate the boxes.[8]

Officials from the two nations differed on the severity of the incident. The Iranians claimed they were conducting normal maneuvers while American officials claimed that an imminent danger to American naval vessels existed.[8]

On 15 April 2011, Hopper departed from Pearl Harbor on a deployment to Asia and the Middle East.[9]

On 22 June 2014, Hopper, with her Aegis Combat System, detected and tracked a test missile launched from the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll using her onboard AN/SPY-1 radar, providing critical targeting data to a long-range ground-based interceptor (GBI) launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. GBI's protect the US from limited long-range ballistic missile attack.[10]

In January 2018, Hopper performed a freedom of navigation cruise, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. China, which has held the rocky outpost since seizing it from the Philippines in 2012, registered a protest on the grounds that the US Navy should have notified China in advance of its approach and had "violated China's sovereignty and security interests".[11]

Awards

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  • CNO Afloat Safety Award (PACFLT) - (2008)

Coat of arms

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Crest

Shield

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The shield has a background of blue. In the center is a gold lion with red talons.

Crest

[edit]

The crest consists of a lozenge with a silver star above the trident. Surrounding the lozenge is a wreath with lightning bolts stemming from the bottom. The crest is completed by the blue and gold framing.

Motto

[edit]

The motto is written on a scroll of white with red trim.

The ships motto is "AUDE ET EFFICE" which can be translated to "DARE AND DO" within context of a command.[citation needed]

Seal

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The coat of arms in full color as in the blazon, upon a white background enclosed within a dark blue oval border edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS HOPPER" at the top and "DDG 70" in the base all gold.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

USS Hopper

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

USS Hopper (DDG-70) is an -class of the , named in honor of Grace Murray Hopper, a pioneering and naval officer who advanced early computing technologies. Commissioned on 6 September 1997 at , , the vessel measures 505 feet in length with a beam of 66 feet and is homeported at , , as part of the Pacific Fleet. Equipped for multi-mission operations, including anti-air warfare, , and , Hopper integrates advanced combat systems and vertical launch systems for missiles, enabling it to conduct ballistic missile defense and strike missions. The destroyer has completed seven deployments to the Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas, supporting operations in the Western Pacific, Arabian Gulf, and , including exercises near contested islands to uphold international maritime rights. Hopper's service includes participation in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC and contributions to global counter-terrorism efforts, underscoring its role in maintaining and deterrence amid regional tensions. While the ship has faced command-level disciplinary actions related to and standards, its operational capabilities remain central to U.S. naval .

Construction and commissioning

Design origins and building

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers were developed under the U.S. Navy's DDG-51 program, initiated in the mid-1980s to replace aging vessels like the Charles F. Adams and Farragut classes with advanced Aegis-equipped ships optimized for multi-mission roles, particularly theater air and missile defense. The design emphasized integration of the for simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple threats, drawing from lessons in Cold War-era requirements for robust anti-air warfare capabilities amid escalating Soviet naval threats. Hull form innovations, including a flared V-shaped bow, were adopted to meet displacement limits of approximately 9,200 tons full load while accommodating expanded vertical launch systems and propulsion, enhancing and reducing detectability through angular shaping. USS Hopper (DDG-70), the twentieth ship in the class and a Flight I configuration, adhered to the baseline design without the subsequent enhancements of later flights, such as expanded helicopter facilities or vertical launch system upgrades seen in Flights II and beyond. The contract for Hopper's construction was awarded to (BIW) in , on April 8, 1992, as part of the Navy's multi-year procurement strategy to leverage established yards for serial production efficiencies. BIW, selected for its expertise in destroyer fabrication honed on prior hulls, employed modular construction techniques to assemble major sections in parallel, minimizing build timelines amid the class's rapid expansion to over 70 planned units. Hopper's building process at BIW incorporated standardized components like the four gas turbines for propulsion and the SPY-1D radar array, reflecting the class's evolution from prototype testing on (DDG-51), commissioned in 1991, to routine production by the mid-1990s. This approach ensured interoperability across the fleet while addressing early design refinements for survivability, such as compartmentalization and damage control automation derived from operational feedback on initial Flight I ships.

Keel laying, launch, and delivery

The keel of USS Hopper (DDG-70) was laid down on 23 February 1995 by in , marking the formal start of construction for this Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The hull was launched on 6 January 1996, with christening ceremonies conducted the same day by Mrs. Mary Murray Westcote as sponsor. After completion of builder's trials and acceptance testing, the ship was delivered to the United States Navy on 11 April 1997, prior to its formal commissioning later that year.

Commissioning ceremony and shakedown

The USS Hopper (DDG-70) was formally commissioned into the United States Navy on September 6, 1997, during an 11:00 a.m. ceremony held on the waterfront in San Francisco, California. The location was selected due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, reflecting the ship's namesake, Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist whose innovations in programming languages aligned with the destroyer's advanced technological systems. Secretary of Defense William Perry delivered remarks as the principal speaker, emphasizing the vessel's role in modern naval power projection. Commander Thomas D. Crowley assumed command during the event, marking the transition from builder's custody to active fleet service as the 20th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Following the commissioning, Hopper conducted post-commissioning sea trials and operational workups to verify system integration, crew proficiency, and combat readiness prior to full deployment. These shakedown activities, typical for newly commissioned surface combatants, included at-sea testing of propulsion, weapons, and combat systems under Pacific Fleet oversight, with the ship transitioning to its homeport at , , by early 1998. No major deficiencies or incidents were publicly reported during this phase, enabling Hopper to achieve initial operational capability and participate in multinational exercise RIMPAC 1998 in Hawaiian waters that summer.

Capabilities and armament

Propulsion and performance

The USS Hopper (DDG-70) is equipped with four gas turbine engines driving two shafts with five-bladed controllable-reversible-pitch propellers. These engines deliver a total of 100,000 shaft horsepower, enabling high-speed operations characteristic of the Arleigh Burke-class Flight I design. The system supports a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots (approximately 56 km/h), with design specifications targeting over 31 knots under optimal conditions. Range is approximately 4,400 nautical miles (8,100 km) at a cruising speed of 20 knots (37 km/h), allowing extended deployments without frequent refueling. This performance profile, derived from the class's gas turbine configuration, prioritizes rapid acceleration and sustained high-speed transits for multi-mission roles including escort and strike operations.

Weapons systems

The USS Hopper (DDG-70), as a Flight I Arleigh Burke-class , features a Mk 41 (VLS) with 90 cells configured as one 29-cell module forward and one 61-cell module aft. These cells support a mix of missiles for anti-air warfare, surface strike, and anti-submarine roles, including the RIM-66 Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) for medium-range air defense, BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, RUM-139 Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (VLA) with Mk 54 torpedoes, and RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles in dedicated launchers. The ship demonstrated ballistic missile defense capability in 2016 by successfully test-launching a next-generation Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) prototype during exercises. For surface gunfire, Hopper mounts a single Mk 45 Mod 2 5-inch/54-caliber lightweight gun forward, capable of firing extended-range guided munitions such as the Mk 171 Erosion-Resistant Projectile for shore bombardment and anti-surface engagements up to 13 nautical miles. includes two Mk 32 triple torpedo tubes launching Mk 46 or Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes, supplemented by the VLS-launched VLA for stand-off delivery. Close-in weapon systems consist of two Mk 15 Phalanx 20 mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for point defense against anti-ship missiles and small boats, each firing 4,500 rounds per minute of projectiles. The ship also operates two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from a hangar and flight deck, equipped for , surface search, and with weapons such as Penguin anti-ship missiles or additional torpedoes.

Sensors and electronics

The USS Hopper (DDG-70), as a Flight I , is equipped with the , which integrates the AN/SPY-1D(V) multi-function phased-array for air and , providing 360-degree coverage and simultaneous tracking of multiple targets. This operates in the S-band and supports fire control for engagements, with the system enhanced through software baselines like Baseline 5 or later upgrades applied during depot modernizations. Supporting radars include the AN/SPS-67(V) surface search for detecting surface vessels and the illuminators for precise guidance of missiles and the 5-inch gun. Underwater detection relies on the AN/SQS-53C hull-mounted sonar array for active and passive search against submarines, complemented by the AN/SQR-19 tactical for extended-range passive detection in littoral and blue-water environments. These systems enable the ship's capabilities, including integration with Mk 46 or Mk 54 torpedoes, though Flight I hulls like Hopper lack the vertical launch system module for ASROC missiles found in later variants. Electronic warfare and countermeasures are provided by the AN/SLQ-32(V) system, which detects, classifies, and jams enemy radars and missiles, augmented by Mk 36 and decoy launchers and the active decoy system for self-defense. Communication electronics include satellite links via the UHF Follow-On and EHF MUOS systems, for data sharing with allied forces, and processors for , with ongoing class-wide upgrades improving cybersecurity and network-centric operations without altering core sensor hardware on early ships like Hopper.

Operational history

Early service and initial deployments (1998–2001)

Following its commissioning on 6 September 1997 in , USS Hopper transited to its homeport of , , where it joined 31 as a multi-mission . In summer 1998, the ship participated in the multinational Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in Hawaiian operating areas, conducting joint operations with allied naval forces to enhance interoperability and combat readiness. On 31 August 1998, Hopper departed for its first Western Pacific deployment (PACMEF 98-2), operating in the region through 26 February 1999, focusing on maritime presence, exercises, and in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. Upon returning to in early 1999, Hopper resumed local training and maintenance operations. In January 2000, the ship participated in Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise (MEFEX) 00-2 off from 11 January to 17 February, integrating with Marine Corps units for amphibious and drills. In April 2000, Hopper embarked on a five-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, including operations in the Arabian Gulf supporting , which enforced no-fly zones over through air defense and maritime interdiction patrols. In 2001, Hopper entered a Selected Restricted Availability from 10 January to 14 March for maintenance and upgrades, followed by sea trials on 14 March and an ammunition onload at Naval Magazine Lualualei on 22 March. The ship conducted Combat Systems Operational Sequencing System (CSOSS) II certification from 26 to 30 March, a three-day dependents' cruise to Kona, Hawaii, on 6 April, and a port visit to Hilo, Hawaii, from 20 to 22 April, including community service and a participation in a local parade. Subsequent underways included Exercise Silent Fury (24–27 April), Composite Training Unit Exercise (CART) II (8–11 May), and Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) phases in June and July, culminating in a Final Evaluation Problem on 22 August. Following the 11 September terrorist attacks, Hopper raised Force Protection Condition Delta and conducted an additional ammunition onload on 20 September. The year concluded with Group Sail operations starting 3 December alongside Destroyer Squadron 31 ships, involving gunnery exercises, missile firings, and flight operations.

Global War on Terrorism era (2001–2010)

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, USS Hopper heightened operational readiness, conducting extensive training including gunnery exercises, missile firings, flight operations, underway replenishments, and drills to prepare for potential contingencies in support of the nascent Global War on Terrorism. The ship participated in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off in early 2002 alongside the carrier strike group before transitioning to integration with the Battle Group. On April 1, 2002, Hopper departed for a six-month deployment with the Battle Group, transiting to the in support of , where it conducted operations, including patrols and interdictions to enforce sanctions and counter threats. During this period, the ship operated within the Fifth Fleet area, hosting a visit from U.S. Central Command commander General in August 2002 to assess coalition efforts. Hopper returned to in October 2002 after completing operations that included port calls in and . In June 2004, Hopper embarked on another six-month deployment as part of the USS Belleau Wood Expeditionary Strike Group, departing Pearl Harbor on June 28 to support Global War on Terrorism missions across the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf regions. Serving as flagship for Maritime Interdiction Operations, the ship covered over 41,000 nautical miles, conducting vessel boardings, surveillance, and coalition coordination to disrupt terrorist financing and smuggling networks. Hopper returned home on December 9, 2004, with its crew of more than 325 sailors. Subsequent deployments reinforced Hopper's role in , including a 2005 transit to the and Western Pacific for scheduled operations amid ongoing GWOT requirements, and a late 2007 six-month mission with the Tarawa to the Fifth Fleet, focusing on maritime security and presence in terrorism-prone waters. These efforts emphasized Hopper's contributions to theater security cooperation, , and deterrence against non-state actors.

Pacific pivot and freedom of navigation operations (2011–present)

In alignment with the U.S. strategic rebalance to the region initiated in 2011, USS Hopper conducted multiple independent deployments emphasizing forward presence, ballistic missile defense against threats from , and maritime security cooperation with regional partners. On April 15, 2011, the destroyer departed for operations spanning the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas, including theater security engagements and interdiction missions to deter proliferation and maintain open sea lanes. These efforts supported the pivot's goal of allocating approximately 60% of U.S. naval assets to the Pacific by enhancing deterrence and alliance interoperability amid China's territorial assertions. Subsequent deployments reinforced this focus. In September 2013, Hopper undertook another independent mission to the Fifth and Seventh Fleets, prioritizing regional stability and . By September 30, 2017, the ship again deployed to the Western Pacific and , executing maritime presence operations to promote security with allies such as and while monitoring adversarial activities. In early 2018, following entry into the Seventh Fleet on January 4, Hopper participated in evolutions involving bilateral exercises and assertions, returning in February after four months of operations that advanced U.S. commitments to a rules-based order. Hopper's freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) directly challenged China's excessive maritime claims in the , consistent with under the United Nations Convention on the . On January 17, 2018, the destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of , rejecting 's sovereignty assertions over features not entitled to territorial seas. More recently, on November 25, 2023, Hopper transited near the , asserting navigational rights and freedoms while operating under One in the Seventh Fleet to uphold a free and open . These actions, amid China's militarization of disputed features, incurred protests from but aligned with U.S. policy to prevent de facto control over . Through 2025, Hopper continued Pacific-oriented missions, including integration with Destroyer Squadron One under Carrier Strike Group One for multi-domain operations supporting allied deterrence. Such activities underscored the destroyer's role in sustaining U.S. naval credibility against revisionist challenges, with no verified disruptions from Chinese forces during these transits despite rhetorical escalations.

Notable incidents and controversies

2008 Iranian Revolutionary Guard confrontation

On January 6, 2008, five small speedboats operated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) approached a formation of three U.S. Navy warships transiting international waters in the Strait of Hormuz: the guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) in the lead, followed by the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG-73) and the guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG-61). The IRGCN vessels, which were unmarked and armed, maneuvered erratically and aggressively toward the U.S. ships, closing to within approximately 200 yards (180 meters) of Hopper's hull while conducting high-speed passes and releasing multiple small white objects into the water, later assessed by U.S. officials as possible mock mines or GPS devices intended to simulate threats. Bridge audio recordings from Hopper captured repeated U.S. bridge-to-bridge radio challenges demanding the Iranian boats identify themselves and withdraw, met with no initial response before a voice—speaking Farsi-accented English—transmitted threats stating, "I am coming to you... You will explode," approximately 10 minutes before the boats would have entered the minimum safe navigation distance. U.S. Central Command reported the IRGCN actions as provocative harassment, prompting the warships' captains to ready defensive measures, including authorization to fire upon the boats if they posed an imminent collision or attack risk; Hopper's crew specifically prepared to engage with close-in weapons systems. The confrontation lasted roughly 30–40 minutes, after which the IRGCN boats abruptly reversed course and departed without further engagement, allowing the U.S. formation to continue transit. The U.S. Department of Defense released a four-minute video compiled from Hopper's bridge footage on January 8, 2008, depicting the boats' swarming tactics and audio exchanges to illustrate the perceived threat, with officials describing the incident as the most serious IRGCN provocation since 2003. Iranian state media countered on January 10 with their own footage showing a single IRGCN vessel alongside the U.S. ships in a purportedly routine greeting, denying aggressive intent and claiming the U.S. fabricated the threatening audio transmission; U.S. analysts, however, authenticated the Hopper recording as originating from an IRGCN frequency. No casualties or damage occurred, but the event heightened tensions amid ongoing U.S. naval patrols enforcing UN sanctions on and IRGCN threats to close the strait, which handles about 20% of global oil trade.

Commanding officer reliefs and leadership challenges

In May 2018, Cmdr. Jeffrey S. Tamulevich was relieved as of USS Hopper due to evidence of misconduct involving alleged with a junior sailor, as stated by Naval Surface Force Pacific officials. This incident marked the fourth reported commanding officer firing in the U.S. that month, reflecting broader accountability measures for personal conduct violations that undermine unit discipline. On April 6, 2021, Cmdr. Kathryn J. Dawley, the first female of USS Hopper, was relieved of her duties due to a loss of confidence in her , according to an official U.S. statement. Contemporary reports attributed the relief to deteriorating crew morale and shortcomings, including failure to address sailor welfare effectively during her tenure. Capt. Kenneth Athans, commodore of 31, assumed temporary command pending a permanent replacement. These reliefs underscore recurring challenges in sustaining command authority and unit cohesion aboard the vessel, amid Navy-wide pressures to enforce standards of conduct and operational readiness.

Recent developments

Maintenance and upgrades (2020s)

In early 2020, USS Hopper underwent a maintenance-heavy period at , including dry-docking that culminated in undocking on February 28, 2020. This work addressed routine structural and systems needs typical for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers approaching mid-life service. The ship's primary overhaul in the mid-2020s commenced in June 2024, when Hopper entered Dry Dock 4 at and Intermediate Maintenance Facility for a Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA). This multi-month docking period focused on structural repairs, hull preservation, and targeted upgrades to propulsion, electrical, and combat systems to enhance operational readiness and incorporate incremental modernizations compatible with Flight I configurations. Hopper successfully undocked on March 11, 2025, transitioning to pierside phases of the availability, with full completion scheduled for August 2025. These efforts, performed by sailors, civilians, and contractors, aimed to restore the destroyer's material condition for forward-deployed missions in the .

2024–2025 operations and status

In early 2024, during an ongoing deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, USS Hopper conducted routine operations including a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and USNS Charles Drew on January 14 in the . The ship transited the for standard patrols on January 25, followed by a live-fire exercise using its Mark 45 5-inch gun on January 16. In February, Hopper made a port visit to , , on February 29, where sailors performed maintenance and routine duties. The deployment concluded after approximately seven months, with Hopper returning to its homeport at Pearl Harbor-Hickam, , on May 7. Following the deployment, Hopper entered a maintenance phase, moving "dead-stick" to Dry Dock 4 at on , 2024, for a 13-month Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability focused on upgrades and repairs. The ship undocked on March 11, 2025, and moored at Pier B17. A change-of-command occurred on , 2025, with Commander Andrea L. Benvenuto relieving Commander Jared M. Mallis as . Sea trials commenced on July 15, 2025, to verify post-maintenance operational readiness. In September 2025, Hopper departed on September 6 for a scheduled independent deployment, including a port call at , , around September 13. The ship returned to on October 2 after approximately four weeks at sea. As of October 27, 2025, Hopper remains in its homeport, conducting local operations and preparing for future missions as part of 31.

Awards and decorations

Unit awards received

The USS Hopper (DDG-70) has received the (Battle "E") twice consecutively, for fiscal years 2007 and 2008, recognizing sustained superior performance across categories including maritime warfare, engineering, survivability, , and material support. These awards were earned under commanding officer Capt. Timothy J. Kott from 2008 to 2010, highlighting the crew's and in high-threat environments. In addition to the Battle "E," the ship was awarded the 2008 Spokane Trophy for excellence in , a competitive honor given to the top surface ship in the U.S. Pacific Fleet for ASW proficiency. The following year, USS Hopper received the , Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Surface Warfare Excellence Award, acknowledging outstanding overall contributions to surface force operations. Crew members from USS Hopper have qualified for wear of the Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon based on service aboard during periods of meritorious achievement warranting the award, though specific citation periods for the unit are not publicly detailed in official records. Reports indicate potential eligibility for the for early service contributions, but verification remains limited to secondary aggregations without direct Navy citation confirmation.

Campaign credits

USS Hopper supported during a six-month deployment commencing April 2002, operating primarily in the as part of the . The ship conducted maritime interdiction operations, including missions on suspected oil smugglers, and provided plane guard duties for carrier air operations, sailing over 41,000 nautical miles in total. This service qualified eligible personnel for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with credit for phases associated with the early stages of the campaign in . In July 2000, prior to the initiation of major Global War on Terrorism operations, Hopper deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of , enforcing the over southern through air defense and presence missions. This earned campaign credit under the for personnel serving during the designated enforcement periods. Subsequent deployments, including a 2004 tour with an and a 2005 mission supporting broader Global War on Terrorism efforts, positioned the ship in Central Command areas of responsibility during active combat phases in , contributing to theater security and potentially qualifying for additional Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal credits or phases such as Iraqi Governance or National Resolution, though specific phase designations require verification against operational timelines. In May 2006, Hopper participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises in , focused on counter-terrorism interoperability, which supported Global War on Terrorism objectives but primarily earned Sea Service Deployment Ribbon awards rather than expeditionary campaign stars.

Heraldry

Shield and symbolism

The shield of USS Hopper's coat of arms employs the traditional naval colors of blue and gold, with blue signifying devotion to duty and gold representing excellence. These colors underscore the ship's commitment to naval service standards. Central to the shield is a gold rampant lion with red accents, symbolizing strength and courage. This emblem highlights the destroyer's survivability features and evokes its motto, "Dare and Do," emphasizing bold action in combat. The rampant lion design draws from , honoring Grace Hopper's ancestral heritage and linking the ship's identity to her pioneering legacy in naval .

Crest and motto

The crest of USS Hopper (DDG-70) features a lozenge gules charged with a mullet argent positioned above a demi-trident or, flanked between two bolts pilewise or, all issuing from a or and azure supported upon an additional wreath of laurel and proper. The lozenge, traditionally associated with female , and the mullet honor Grace Murray Hopper as the first woman to achieve flag rank in the U.S. . The demi-trident symbolizes her naval service and enduring affection for the , while the bolts represent the electronic warfare capabilities of an destroyer and Hopper's pioneering contributions to computer technology. The supporting wreaths denote honor from laurel and strength from . The ship's motto, "Aude et effice," translates from Latin as "Dare and do," encapsulating Hopper's ethos of bold innovation and decisive action in problem-solving. It appears on a argent edged gules beneath the crest.

References

  1. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Ships/USS-Hopper-DDG-70/About/
  2. https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/namesakes/grace-hopper.html
  3. https://www.doncio.navy.mil/chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=3527
  4. https://www.hullnumber.com/DDG-70
  5. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Ships/USS-Hopper-DDG-70/Welcome/
  6. https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1408110/uss-hopper-arrives-in-7th-fleet/
  7. https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/3597762/us-navy-destroyer-conducts-freedom-of-navigation-operation-in-the-south-china-s/
  8. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/05/24/navy-fires-co-of-destroyer-hopper-the-fourth-reported-command-firing-in-may/
  9. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-uss-hopper-rust-photos/
  10. https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/burke/
  11. https://naval-encyclopedia.com/cold-war/us/arleigh-burke-class-destroyer.php
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  13. https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ddg/DDG-70-USS-Hopper.htm
  14. https://www.gdbiw.com/ship/hopper/
  15. http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg70history.htm
  16. http://www.combatindex.com/hardware/detail/sea/ddg70_data.html
  17. https://www.doncio.navy.mil/chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=6768
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/07/us/high-tech-navy-ship-honors-software-pioneer.html
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qD5HC_PxfM
  20. https://www.navysite.de/dd/ddg70.htm
  21. https://destroyerhistory.org/arleighburkeclass/flighti/
  22. https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Operational-Forces/Destroyers/Destroyer-Ship-Class-DDG-Info-Page/
  23. https://www.military.com/equipment/ddg-51-arleigh-burke-class-destroyer
  24. https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/
  25. https://www.safie.hq.af.mil/News/Video/mod/61713/player/0/video/477408/USS%2520Hopper/
  26. https://www.uscarriers.net/ddg70.htm
  27. https://www.seaforces.org/usnships/ddg/Arleigh-Burke-class.htm
  28. https://shipshub.com/ships/1001-2.html
  29. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ddg-70.htm
  30. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/h/hopper-ddg-70-i/pdf/2001.pdf
  31. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/h/hopper-ddg-70-i/pdf/2002.pdf
  32. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_041209-N-3019M-002_he_Arleigh_Burke-class_guided_missile_destroyer_USS_Hopper_%28DDG_70%29_and_her_crew_of_more_than_325_Sailors%2C_returns_to_Pearl_Harbor%2C_Hawaii%2C_following_a_six-month_deployment_in_support_of_the_Global_Wa.jpg
  33. https://www.navsource.net/archives/05/01070.htm
  34. https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/2755865/uss-hopper-to-deploy-to-western-pacific/
  35. https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/completing-the-pivot-asia
  36. https://www.doncio.navy.mil/chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=5888
  37. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2251222/uss-hopper-departs-for-western-pacific-and-middle-eastern-deployment/
  38. https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1408578/uss-hopper-returns-to-7th-fleet-on-deployment/
  39. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2247282/uss-hopper-returns-from-4-month-deployment/
  40. https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/south-china-sea-us-destroyer-conducts-freedom-of-navigation-operations-near-scarborough-shoal/
  41. https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/3598420/us-navy-destroyer-conducts-freedom-of-navigation-operation-in-the-south-china-s/
  42. https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3597764/us-navy-destroyer-conducts-freedom-of-navigation-operation-in-the-south-china-s/
  43. https://defence-blog.com/uss-hopper-destroyer-asserts-freedom-of-navigation-in-south-china-sea/
  44. https://x.com/USPacificFleet/status/1729593207028125777
  45. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Media/News/Article/4263659/destroyer-squadron-1-holds-change-of-command-ceremony/
  46. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/3626943/carl-vinson-carrier-strike-group-conducts-maritime-operations-in-south-china-sea/
  47. https://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/07/iran.us.navy/
  48. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/15462/port-royal-and-hopper-cos-discuss-incident-strait-hormuz
  49. https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=4105110&page=1
  50. https://www.stripes.com/news/2008-01-08/report-iranians-threatened-us-warships-1935551.html
  51. https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2008-01-09-voa31-66730092/561233.html
  52. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2564051/uss-hopper-ddg-70-co-relieved/
  53. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/04/07/navy-destroyer-hoppers-1st-female-commanding-officer-fired-over-morale-problems.html
  54. https://www.civilbeat.org/2021/04/navy-dismisses-commander-of-pearl-harbor-destroyer-over-morale-problems/
  55. https://news.usni.org/2021/04/07/co-of-destroyer-uss-hopper-removed-from-command
  56. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2021/04/07/navy-fires-hopper-co/
  57. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8521940/pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard-welcomes-uss-hopper-drydocking-selected-restricted-availability
  58. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8916659/uss-hopper-completes-drydock-period-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard
  59. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/955366/uss-hopper-completes-drydock-period-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard
  60. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ddg70/
  61. https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Photo-Gallery/igphoto/2003404622/
  62. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Leaders/Biography/Article/2664623/rdml-timothy-j-kott/
  63. https://navylog.navymemorial.org/node/4194196
  64. https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=14225&CategoryId=7511&grp=5&menu=Uniformed%20Services
  65. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2252088/20th-ddg-celebrates-20-years-of-service/
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