About this Unit
USS Hopper (DDG-70) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned on September 6, 1997. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, the ship has played a key role in both Pacific and Middle Eastern operations. USS Hopper has participated in numerous multinational exercises, ballistic missile defense missions, and freedom of navigation operations, particularly in the Western Pacific and South China Sea. The destroyer has also been deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, showcasing its versatility and advanced combat systems.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Hopper (DDG-70) is named after Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and United States Navy officer, known as “Amazing Grace.” She was instrumental in the development of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages.
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Second Warship Honoring a Female: USS Hopper is only the second U.S. Navy warship named for a woman from the Navy’s own ranks, following the USS Higbee (DD-806), honoring Lenah Higbee, a nurse and Navy veteran.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on September 6, 1997, at San Francisco, California, with Rear Admiral Hopper herself having passed away only five years prior.
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Homeport: Hopper is homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, strategically positioning her in the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
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Key Deployments: Hopper has participated in numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
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Missile Defense: The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System and has played a role in ballistic missile defense operations, including being one of the first to track both satellite and missile launches in the Pacific.
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Grace Hopper’s “Bug”: Hopper’s namesake, Rear Admiral Hopper, is famously credited with discovering the first actual computer “bug” (a moth) in a computer relay. The ship’s crest features a gold moth in her honor.
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Public Outreach: USS Hopper often participates in community events and Navy Week celebrations, showcasing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) careers, inspired by Grace Hopper’s legacy.
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Multinational Exercises: The destroyer frequently takes part in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC, working alongside allied navies to enhance interoperability and security in the Pacific.
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Motto: The ship’s motto is “Audacious in Concept, Meticulous in Execution,” a tribute to the innovative spirit of Grace Hopper and the ship’s commitment to excellence.
