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USS Austin (LPD-4)

U.S. Navy•44 members

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About this Unit

USS Austin (LPD-4)

U.S. Navy

USS Austin (LPD-4) was a Raleigh-class amphibious transport dock commissioned into the United States Navy in 1965. Throughout her service, she played a key role in amphibious operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, and peacekeeping missions in the Mediterranean. Austin participated in numerous joint exercises and humanitarian missions, showcasing her versatility as a platform for transporting Marines, equipment, and landing craft. After over 40 years of active duty, USS Austin was decommissioned in 2006, leaving a legacy of distinguished service in support of U.S. naval operations worldwide.

About USS Austin (LPD-4)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

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USS Austin (LPD-4)

U.S. Navy•44 members

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About this Unit

USS Austin (LPD-4)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Raul Perez

U.S. Navy Veteran · 2002 - 2003

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Troy Greene

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1985 - 1985

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Erik Brown

U.S. Navy · 1996 - 1997

U.S. Navy Veteran

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS Austin (LPD-4)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.