Commander, Task Force 50, visited guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70), Nov. 17.

This marked Rear Adm. James Malloy's first visit aboard Hopper since the ship deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).

Malloy, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), met with the Hopper crew for an all-hands call, where he welcomed the crew to the Arabian Gulf and discussed the importance of each individual and how their hard work benefits not only themselves but ensures the safety and security of the critical waterways throughout the AOO.

"With Hopper here, I have a destroyer that's capable, lethal and proven," said Malloy. "Hopper's presence ensures Ike can continue to operate and conduct flight operations in support of the fight against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in Iraq and Syria."

Malloy discussed priorities and expectations he has for the crew after they relieved USS Stout (DDG 55) in the Arabian Gulf. Hopper arrived in theater last month.

"It's really good for the crew to have the admiral here and give a motivational speech and explain to the crew what we're doing out here is important," said Petty Officer 1st Class David Cederberg.

After the all-hands call with the crew, Malloy toured the ship, met with junior Sailors, chiefs and had lunch with officers in the Wardroom.

"It's an awesome opportunity to see that the commander of Task Force 50 has an invested interest in Hopper's presence in the Gulf and how he is dedicated to our mission and the Sailors that make the mission happen," said Lt. j.g. Roland Hansen, Hopper's damage control assistant.

Hopper, homeported in Pearl Harbor, is deployed in the Arabian Gulf in support maritime of security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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