The USS Austin (LPD 4) was significant within the United States Navy, showcasing a combination of naval technology and strategic military prowess. Built at the New York Naval Shipyard, the keel was laid down on February 4, 1963, and the ship was officially launched on June 27, 1964, entering service on February 6, 1965. The construction of the USS Austin was part of an initiative during the Cold War to bolster the Navy's warfare capabilities, ensuring readiness to address global crises and project power.
Named after the city of Austin, Texas, this ship followed a tradition of honoring cities and states with vessel names. This practice aimed to foster pride and strengthen ties between the Navy and the American people. Austin is renowned for its history, culture, and contributions to progress, making it a fitting choice for a vessel dedicated to safeguarding national interests.
Key features of the USS Austin included its capacity to transport Marines, along with their equipment and supplies, using landing craft or amphibious vehicles supported by helicopters. The ship was fitted with a deck for launching and recovering landing craft and amphibious vehicles, along with a flight deck for handling helicopters. These features made it a crucial and adaptable asset for the Navy’s assault capabilities, enabling deployment and ground force support in various operational scenarios.
Throughout its service history, the USS Austin undertook missions ranging from humanitarian aid efforts to combat operations. Its ability to fulfill these roles highlighted the importance of transport docks in modern naval warfare. The ship's reliability and the expertise of its crew were instrumental in enhancing the Navy's readiness and effectiveness.
As a member of the Austin class of transport docks, the USS Austin was specifically designed to facilitate operations by transporting and landing elements of a landing force during sea assaults. The Austin class ships were built to transport a number of troops, vehicles, and equipment, working with parts of the amphibious task force, such as landing ships, dock landing ships, and amphibious assault ships. These vessels played a key role in the Navy's ability to carry out warfare and extend its influence on land.
When the USS Austin was commissioned on February 6, 1965, it marked the start of the vessel's career. The commissioning ceremony was attended by naval officials, important figures, and the ship's crew, symbolizing its readiness to join the fleet and carry out its mission of supporting operations. Throughout its service years, the USS Austin proved itself as an adaptable resource, highlighting the significance of transport docks in the Navy's strategic planning.
USS Austin LPD-4: A Deep Dive into the Structure, Technology, and Arsenal of a Naval Powerhouse
The USS Austin (LPD 4) represents the United States Navy's dedication to strong amphibious warfare capabilities. Structurally, the vessel is designed to support a range of tasks, from troop and equipment transport to logistical assistance. With a length of 570 feet and a beam of 84 feet, the ship can carry significant loads. Its well deck has the capacity to house up to four Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles or a mix of Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and other landing craft. The flight deck can accommodate helicopter models like the CH-46 Sea Knight and the CH-53 Sea Stallion, enhancing its versatility.
In terms of technology, the USS Austin is equipped with navigation and communication systems that ensure coordination during complex missions. The ship features AN/ air search radar and AN/SPS-10 surface search radar for situational awareness. At its core lies the Combat Information Center (CIC), which integrates data from sensors and communication channels to facilitate real-time decision-making. The ship also includes an electronic warfare system, such as the AN/SLQ-32(V)2, which defends against electronic threats. These advanced technologies allow the USS Austin to operate effectively in various environments.
Regarding weaponry, the USS Austin is well-prepared to protect itself and support operations. Its main armament includes two 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for defense against missiles and aircraft. The ship is also armed with two 3-inch/50 caliber gun mounts for engaging aircraft and surface targets. For close-range defense, it has .50 caliber machine guns and 25mm chain guns to safeguard against a range of threats. The USS Austin carries a variety of munitions to aid in its assault duties, deploying landing craft like LCACs and AAVs armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles.
The Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) onboard provides additional firepower with M1A1 Abrams tanks, LAV-25 armored vehicles, and artillery pieces. The USS Austin's arsenal of embarked weapons enables it to exert influence on land and provide assistance to ground troops during missions. Its capacity to deliver a blend of firepower and logistical aid makes it an essential component of the U.S. Navy's combat tactics.
USS Austin LPD-4 Crew Member Reports of Time Aboard
The USS Austin (LPD-4) guestbook posts provide a rich tapestry of memories from its crew members spanning several decades. These recollections paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship, highlighting both the camaraderie and the challenges faced by those who served.
**1960s:**
Leslie Tilton's son, Brian, seeks to learn more about his father's service in 1967. Lavern Andrews recalls working hard and learning valuable lessons under WO Beare. John Bakie reminisces about becoming a shellback during the 1968 GITMO Shakedown Cruise and losing the ship's "tailgate" during landing exercises. Gary D. Beverly remembers friends like Darrell Cobb and Roger Gunn, and the equator crossing ritual. Bob Bassett, a plank owner, fondly recalls swimming off the stern gate and the Marines setting off the foam system. Doyle Criswell enjoyed his time on the Austin, especially the equator crossing and Apollo missions. Lester Ric Daniel also remembers the foam system incident and cleaning up the mess. Donald Coombs, another plank owner, spent four years on the ship and still keeps in touch with some shipmates. Walter Dieckmann recalls the GITMO shake down cruise and various port visits.
**1970s:**
Roger Andelora initially hated his time on the Austin in 1973 but later realized he loved it. David Barber, who served the same year, cherishes the learning experience and memories from the engine room. Milton Barker, who served in 1976, remembers the excitement of his first command. Jack Belew recalls the camaraderie with shipmates like MUNDT and the EW team. Dail Bellah remembers the collision at sea and is proud of his service. David Bergeron, a Marine, recalls losing the fan-tail gate during field exercises and the good relations with sailors. Joe Boisier has vivid memories of Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises. Steve Boots Bolton and Rob Bolton both cherish the friendships and experiences from their time on the ship. Don Dyrdahl wouldn't trade his years on the Austin for anything, recalling multiple Med cruises and other adventures.
**1980s:**
Hector J. Acosta, who served in 1989, reflects on the wonderful memories despite parting on bad terms. Jesus Amador, who served in 1985, still keeps in touch with friends like Tooney Crowe and Guy Burrell. Edward Bailey, who served in 1986, recalls the fun times and wonders about old friends. Randy Bare, also from 1986, remembers the good and bad times but values the friendships. Richard Burton, who served in 1981, reminisces about the challenging yet rewarding experiences. Chris Carpenter, who served in 1982, fondly remembers the crew and various port visits.
**1990s:**
Alan Adams, who served in 1992, recalls great memories with shipmates like Brian Bowman and Colin Farrell. Jose Aguilera, who served in 2000, misses the friends he made and the mix of good and bad times. Eric Alberger, who served in 1998, wouldn't trade his time on the Austin for anything. Fred Allen, who served in 1994, wants to reconnect with old shipmates. John Anderson, also from 1994, reflects on the good and hard times that shaped him. Keith Or Anselmo, who served in 1996, misses the camaraderie and joking around. Rc Arciniegas, who served in 2003, learned everything about being a sailor on the Austin. Ted Arnds, who served in 1995, invites old friends to contact him. Brad Atchison, who served in 1991, fondly remembers the crew and the CO, "Uncle Buck." Christopher Ausse, who served in 1990 and 1991, misses the days on the "pride of the fleet." Stephen Bagnetto, who served in 1999, values the experience and friendships.
**2000s:**
Scott Bailey, who served in 2001, had a great time and hopes to reconnect with old friends. William Barton, who served in 1997, has more good memories than bad and learned to love the Navy on the Austin. Rob Bolton, who served in 2002, cherishes the best times of his life and his dental career. Andrew Briggs, who served in 1984, had a challenging time but values the lessons learned. Herns Brillant, who served in 1996, praises Capt. Crow as the best CO. Justin Brittingham, who served in 1998, remembers the good times and now works at a nuclear power plant. Jim Broderick, who served in 1976, recalls the camaraderie and adventures. Larry Brown, who served in 1997, was inspired by the leadership on the Austin.
These memories collectively highlight the USS Austin as a vessel that not only served its country but also profoundly impacted the lives of its crew members. The ship fostered lifelong friendships, provided invaluable experiences, and left an indelible mark on all who served aboard her.
USS Austin LPD-4: Evolution of a Naval Workhorse and Its Enduring Legacy
The USS Austin (LPD 4) underwent enhancements throughout its years of service to improve its capabilities and extend its lifespan. Originally commissioned in 1965 as part of the Austin class transport docks, it was designed for transporting Marines, their gear, and supplies using landing craft or amphibious vehicles. Over time, the USS Austin received upgrades in technology and structure, including improved radar systems, enhanced communication setups, and better defensive armaments. These enhancements ensured that the ship remained an asset in meeting the changing needs of modern naval warfare.
Regarding mission capabilities, the USS Austin was built to support a range of operations. The ship could accommodate numerous troops, vehicles, and equipment, making it versatile for tasks like amphibious assaults, humanitarian aid efforts, and disaster relief missions. Its well deck allowed for launching and retrieving landing craft and amphibious vehicles, while its flight deck supported helicopter operations. This adaptability enabled the USS Austin to project power on land, providing assistance and responding swiftly to emergencies.
The USS Austin made diverse contributions to the fleet during its service. It participated in various operations and exercises, showcasing its ability to aid both combat and non-combat missions. One notable event was its involvement in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it played a critical role in assault operations vital to the coalition's success. The ship also participated in disaster relief missions, demonstrating the Navy's capacity to offer assistance during times of crisis.
Overall, the USS Austin (LPD 4) exemplified the adaptability and strength of the U.S. Navy's forces. Through ongoing upgrades, it remained relevant and effective, ready to face challenges. The ship's versatile mission capabilities allowed it to support operations from combat tasks to humanitarian efforts, underscoring its importance within the fleet. The USS Austin's substantial contributions showcased its significance as an asset in both peacetime and wartime endeavors.
USS Austin LPD-4: A Legacy of Valor and Service on the High Seas
The USS Austin (LPD 4) has a service history marked by missions around the world. Launched in 1965, the vessel played a significant role in U.S. Navy operations. Throughout its years of service, the USS Austin participated in missions in regions like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East. These tasks primarily supported NATO drills, humanitarian efforts, and demonstrated military strength in various areas. Its capacity to transport Marines, their gear, and landing craft made it an essential asset for responses and maintaining military presence.
In terms of conflicts, the USS Austin contributed significantly to key operations. During the Vietnam War, it assisted Marine and Army units. In the 1980s, the USS Austin was involved with the Multinational Force in Lebanon, supporting peacekeeping initiatives amid the Lebanese Civil War. It also played a role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, contributing to Kuwait's liberation. More recently, it participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, offering support to U.S. and coalition forces.
The USS Austin's outstanding service did not go unnoticed. Throughout its operational years, the ship received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") awards, highlighting its preparedness and performance. The crew was also recognized with the Humanitarian Service Medal for their contributions to disaster relief efforts, demonstrating the adaptability and compassion of the vessel and its personnel.
The legacy of the USS Austin (LPD 4) is defined by its commitment, flexibility, and exceptional performance. Its deployments and involvement in conflicts underscore its significance in U.S. military activities and its capacity to handle a diverse array of missions. The accolades it received serve as proof of the ship's efficiency and the professionalism exhibited by its crew members. As a vessel that served admirably for more than four decades, the USS Austin stands as a significant chapter in the annals of U.S. Navy amphibious operations.
USS Austin LPD-4 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Austin Class Amphibious Transport Dock |
| Commissioned | February 6, 1965 |
| Displacement | 17,326 tons |
| Length | 570 feet |
| Beam | 84 feet |
| Draft | 23 feet |
| Speed | 21 knots |
| Complement | 420 |
3 comments
I served on the Austin from 65 to 68. BM3. I have very fond memories of those times.
I was a EN2 in the Boat Shop aboard Austin from 1990-1994 and thanks to guys like Russell “Gus” Kvistead, I still don’t hesitate to dive in and get my hands dirty fixing things. It was hard work sometimes but we had pride in the fact that did good work and kept the ship going. We didn’t have problems; we had solutions! I miss the camaraderie.
served on the Austin as a hull tec R division from late 73 till early 76 had good times and not so good times had many friends on board