USS *Hopper* (DDG-70)

USS *Hopper* (DDG-70) is an guided-missile destroyer in service with the United States Navy. The vessel is named for Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and naval officer. Commissioned in 1997, the warship is assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet and operates from its homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam in Hawaii.

Naming and namesake

The destroyer is named in honor of Grace Hopper, a seminal figure in the history of computer programming. Hopper served with distinction in the United States Navy Reserve and the regular United States Navy, achieving the rank of rear admiral. She was instrumental in the development of early compilers and the COBOL programming language while working for the Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation and later Remington Rand. Her legacy is celebrated within the United States Department of Defense and the broader technology sector, with the ship's motto, "Dare and Do," reflecting her innovative spirit. The Secretary of the Navy authorized the naming, continuing a tradition of honoring naval heroes and pioneers.

Construction and commissioning

The contract for DDG-70 was awarded to Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, located in Bath, Maine. The keel was laid down on 23 February 1995, and the hull was launched on 6 January 1996. The ship's sponsor was Mary Murray, the sister of the namesake. Following builder's trials in the Atlantic Ocean, the vessel was delivered to the United States Navy and formally commissioned into active service on 6 September 1997 in a ceremony at Bath, Maine. Principal speakers included the Chief of Naval Operations and representatives from the United States Congress.

Service history

Following commissioning, *Hopper* was initially assigned to the United States Atlantic Fleet, operating out of Naval Station Norfolk. The destroyer's early deployments included exercises with NATO allies and patrols in the Caribbean Sea as part of counter-narcotics operations. In 2002, the ship was reassigned to the United States Pacific Fleet, shifting its homeport to Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Key operational deployments have included multiple tours with the Carrier Strike Groups centered on the USS *Carl Vinson* and the USS *John C. Stennis*, providing air defense and ballistic missile defense in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf. In 2016, *Hopper* conducted a freedom of navigation operation near the Spratly Islands, challenging excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Upgrades and modernization

The ship has undergone several major upgrade cycles to maintain its combat edge. As part of the DDG Modernization program, *Hopper* received significant enhancements to its Aegis Combat System, including the integration of the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar and upgraded C3 systems. The vessel's Mk 41 Vertical Launching System was modified to accommodate newer missile variants like the RIM-174 Standard ERAM and the RIM-162 ESSM. Other improvements included the installation of the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite and the Ship Self-Defense System. These upgrades were performed during extended maintenance availabilities at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Bath Iron Works.

Awards and recognition

Throughout its service, USS *Hopper* has been recognized for operational excellence and unit performance. The ship and its crew have been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and multiple Battle "E" efficiency awards. It has also received the Armed Forces Service Medal for participation in specific operations and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for numerous overseas deployments. The crew's achievements are regularly highlighted in communications from the Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific and the Chief of Naval Operations.

Category:Arleigh Burke-class destroyers Category:Ships built in Maine Category:1997 ships