USS Barnstable County (LST-1197) Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) 2-85 Cruise Book

Commander Thomas E. Hopson graduated from East Tennessee State University and received his commission through the Officer Candidate Program in December of 1965. His sea duty tours include Deck Department Head onboard USS ASHLAND (LSD-1), Weapons Officer on board USS FURSE (DD-882), Operations Officer onboard USS VANCOVER (LPD-2) and Executive Officer onboard USS MANITOWOC (LST-1180). Additionally, he served an in-country Vietnam tour and twice served on the staffs of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command and Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Commander Hopson is a graduate of U.S. Naval Destroyer School, Armed Forces Staff College and Army War College. He assumed command of USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY in March of 1985. Commander Hopson has been awarded the following personnel awards: Bronze Star Defense Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal with Numeral 8 Purple Heart Numerous Unit Service decorations Commander Hopson is married to the former Janita Nelson Fortune of Portsmouth, Virginia and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia with their son Thomas and daughter Holly Anne.