Military news 01/27/03

Hotop sent to Arabian Gulf, Mediterranean

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Derek N. Hotop, son of Glenda L. Hotop of Perryville, recently departed on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which is based in Norfolk, Va.

Hotop is one of more than 8,000 sailors and Marines aboard the ships and squadrons of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Battle Group.

Carriers such as the Truman are deployed throughout the world to maintain a U.S. presence and provide a rapid response in times of crisis. They are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.

Hotop is a 1996 graduate of St. Vincent High School in Perryville. He joined the Navy in November 1996.

-- From staff reports