YOKOSUKA, Japan - Guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a brief visit Jan. 19.

During the visit, the crew will have the opportunity to engage with members of the Sri Lanka Navy and public. The crew is eager to experience the hospitality and culture of Sri Lanka.

The visit also provides the opportunity for the crew of Hopper to thank the Sri Lanka Navy for their support in providing medical treatment to a Hopper crew member in September.

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.

Homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Hopper is on deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific after recently completing operations in U.S. 5th Fleet.

The U.S. Navy maintains a presence in the U.S. 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.