USS Hopping (DE-155)

• Namesake Hero: USS Hopping (DE-155) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Hallsted L. Hopping, a US Navy pilot who was killed in action during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. • Buckley-class Destroyer Escort: The ship was a Buckley-class destroyer escort, a class known for its role in anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection during World War II. • Launched in 1943: USS Hopping was launched on March 9, 1943, at the Norfolk Navy Yard and commissioned on July 21, 1943. • Convoy Escort Duties: During World War II, Hopping served primarily as a convoy escort in the Atlantic, ensuring the safe passage of troops and supplies between the United States and North Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Mediterranean. • Submarine Hunter: The ship was equipped with sonar and depth charges, participating in anti-submarine warfare patrols and exercises to protect Allied shipping lanes from German U-boats. • Rescue Operations: In December 1943, USS Hopping helped rescue survivors from the torpedoed British merchant ship SS Penolver, demonstrating the crew's bravery and humanitarian spirit. • Transferred to the Pacific: In 1945, Hopping was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet, where she supported operations in the Philippines and later in the occupation of Japan after the war's end. • Kamikaze Threats: While operating in the Pacific, the crew of the Hopping faced the danger of Japanese kamikaze attacks, a prevalent threat in the closing months of the war. • Post-war Decommissioning: After the war, USS Hopping was decommissioned on June 14, 1946, and placed in reserve at Green Cove Springs, Florida. • Battle Honors: The ship earned one battle star for her World War II service, recognizing her contributions to Allied victory.