Military digest 03/31/03

Perryville man aboard USS Harry S. Truman

Naval Petty Officer 3rd Class Derek N. Hotop, son of Glenda L. Hotop of Perryville, Mo., is halfway through a scheduled six-month deployment while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, based in Norfolk, Va. Hotop is a 1996 graduate of St. Vincent's High School in Perryville. He joined the Navy in November 1996.

Hotop is one of more than 8,000 sailors and Marines on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while aboard the ships and squadrons of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Battle Group.

During the first half of the deployment, Hotop's ship took part in training exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and made a port to Koper, Slovenia.

Hopp completes Navy basic training

Navy Seaman Matthew L. Hopp, son of Linda K. and Gordon A. Hopp of Anna, Ill., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Hopp completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival and shipboard and aircraft safety. Emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

-- From staff reports