About this Unit
USS Hooper (DE-1026) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned by the United States Navy in 1957. Named after Lieutenant Commander James J. Hooper, the vessel was primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and fleet escort duties during the Cold War. Throughout its service, USS Hooper participated in numerous training exercises and patrols in the Atlantic and Caribbean, enhancing the Navy’s readiness against potential submarine threats. After nearly two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned in 1973 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Class and Namesake: USS Hooper (DE-1026) was a Dealey-class destroyer escort. She was named after Lieutenant Commander James J. Hooper, a decorated submarine officer killed in action during World War II.
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Commissioning: Hooper was launched on 30 June 1956 at the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in Seattle, Washington, and commissioned on 22 September 1957.
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Anti-Submarine Warfare Focus: The Dealey-class was specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), reflecting Cold War concerns about Soviet submarines. Hooper was equipped with advanced sonar and ASW weapons for the era.
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First Homeport: Her first homeport was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she became part of the Pacific Fleet and took part in numerous training and patrol missions.
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Participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, USS Hooper was deployed to the Atlantic and Caribbean to participate in the naval blockade (quarantine) during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to enforce the U.S. embargo.
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Goodwill Cruises: Hooper made several goodwill visits to ports in South America and the Pacific, fostering friendly relations with allied nations and participating in joint exercises.
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Vietnam War Service: She served off the coast of Vietnam, conducting surveillance and escort duties, as well as providing naval gunfire support for ground forces.
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RESCUE OPERATIONS: USS Hooper was involved in several rescue operations at sea, including assisting distressed vessels and saving the crews of fishing boats during her Pacific deployments.
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Technological Upgrades: Throughout her career, Hooper received regular upgrades, including improved radar, sonar, and communication systems to keep pace with evolving naval threats.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Hooper was decommissioned on 15 July 1973 after 16 years of service. She was eventually sold for scrap in 1974, but her legacy endures in the annals of Cold War naval history.
