RDML(Sel) Robert V. Hoppa, USN

Director, National Maritime Intelligence Center

RDML(Sel) Robert V. Hoppa

Rear Adm. (select) Hoppa was born in Baltimore. Commissioned in 1985, he completed flight school in October 1986, and was subsequently assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 32. During this tour, Hoppa qualified as aircraft commander and functional check pilot while completing two deployments: one to the Mid-East in 1988 aboard the USS Jack Williams (FFG 24), where he participated in numerous Earnest Will missions and Operation Praying Mantis; and a second to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea aboard USS Capodanno (FF 1093).

In 1990, Hoppa then reported to HSL-30, where he was assigned as an instructor pilot and the wing tactics officer. In April 1991, Hoppa was selected for redesignation as a naval intelligence officer. Upon completion of training, he was assigned to the USS America (CV 66) Intelligence Function, where he served as the SUPPLOT and CVIC Division Officer. During this tour, he made a deployment to the Adriatic, Red Sea and Somalia participating in Operations Deny Flight, Provide Promise, Sharp Guard, and Continue Hope. He also deployed to Haiti for Operation Uphold Democracy.

In January 1995, Hoppa reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence with a subsequent assignment to the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office as the deputy director for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In August 1996, he was reassigned to the Chief of Naval Operations, Intelligence Plot (CNO-IP) as the deputy director, responsible for managing the intelligence support to the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and the Director of Naval Intelligence. In May 1997, Hoppa was designated the head of the Intelligence Support Department at CNO-IP. Hoppa reported to United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) in February 1998 where he was responsible for the Joint Intelligence Virtual Architecture, Collaborative Tools and Precision Engagement programs. Selected for commander, he assumed duties as the Senior Intel Officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in September 2000. Hoppa subsequently reported to OPNAV N71 Warfighting Requirements in January 2003 as the Integration branch head, lead for the Battlespace Awareness and the Multi-Service C4 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Integration Effort.

He reported in June 2005 to Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet as the director of Operational Net Assessments and Fleet Intelligence (N2). In September 2007, he was selected as the director of Intelligence, U. S. Joint Forces Command where he served through August 2009. Hoppa served as the director of Theater ISR for the International Security Assistance Force, Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan from September 2009 to September 2010, and has served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Information Warfare at Fleet Forces Command since November 2010. Hoppa was selected to Rear Admiral (lower half) in May 2011 and reported as Director, National Maritime Intelligence Center in August 2011.

Hoppa was awarded his Bachelor's degree with Merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1985 and his Master's degree with Honors from Old Dominion University in 1992. A designated joint specialty officer, he graduated with distinction from the United States Naval War College (Seminar) in 1998 and graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College in 2000.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf, Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Director of National Intelligence Reform Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

This page was last updated on November 2, 2011.