YOKOSUKA, Japan - Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) arrived in Hong Kong, Feb. 5, for a port visit during a routine patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Hopper is deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and sails with a crew of approximately 300 Sailors.

While in Hong Kong, Hopper Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in two community programs. Sailors will assist a local community organization dedicated to helping the elderly as well as participate in activities with local schoolchildren.

Hopper is a multi-mission ship with anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatants capabilities; designed to operate independently or with a surface action group or strike group. Home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hopper is currently underway in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region on an independent deployment.

The U.S. Navy maintains a presence in the 7th Fleet area of operations to help preserve peace and security and to further their partnerships with friends and allies. This forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge.