USS Austin (LPD-4)

• Commissioning and Namesake: USS Austin (LPD-4) was commissioned on 6 February 1965 and named after Austin, Texas, honoring both the city and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas." • Lead Ship of Her Class: She was the lead ship of the Austin-class amphibious transport docks, a group of 12 ships designed to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies. • Vietnam War Service: USS Austin served in the Vietnam War, participating in troop and equipment transport, and supporting amphibious landings along the Vietnamese coast. • Lebanon Peacekeeping: In 1982-1983, USS Austin was deployed off the coast of Lebanon as part of the U.S. peacekeeping force during the Lebanese Civil War, providing support and evacuation capability during crises. • Rescue Missions: In 1975, Austin played a role in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. • Operation Desert Storm: USS Austin participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, deploying Marines and equipment to the Persian Gulf region as part of coalition operations to liberate Kuwait. • Humanitarian Assistance: The ship was involved in multiple humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including the evacuation of American citizens from Liberia during civil unrest in 1996 (Operation Assured Response). • Unique Design Features: The Austin-class ships were notable for their well decks, helicopter landing platforms, and advanced command and control facilities for amphibious operations. • Long Service Life: USS Austin served for over 41 years before being decommissioned on 27 September 2006, making her one of the longest-serving ships of her class. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, USS Austin was held in reserve and used as a target ship during a 2017 SINKEX (Sinking Exercise), where she was sunk to serve as an artificial reef and training target.