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USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG-79)


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign - NOPA

CLASS - BURKE Flight IIa As Built.
Displacement 8373 Tons (Full), Dimensions, 504' 7" (oa) x 66' 11" x 20' (Max)
Armament 1 x 5"/54 RF, 2 Phalanx 20mm Guns, 90 VLS Cells,
8 Harpoon Missiles, 6 x 12.75" TT.
Machinery, 100,000 SHP; 4 GE LM-2500 Gas Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 30+ Knots, Range 4400 NM@ 20 Knots, Crew 370.
Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Bath Iron Works, Bath ME October 12 1997.
Launching scheduled for September 19 1998
Commissioned August 19 2000.
Active unit of the US Navy.
Homeported at Norfolk, VA.
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Austin 19kThe ship is named in honor of Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, who demonstrated extraordinary heroism and courage while serving as assistant machine gunner with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division near Da Nang, Vietnam on Feb. 23, 1969. Austin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the citation reads as follows; "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company E, in connection with operations against enemy forces. During the early morning hours on February 23, 1969, Pfc. Austin's observation post came under a fierce ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force using a heavy volume of hand grenades, satchel charges and small arms fire. Observing that one of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Pfc. Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his own safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to assist the marine to a covered location. As he neared the casualty, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and reacting instantly, leaped between the injured marine and the lethal object, absorbing the effects of its detonation. As he ignored his painful injuries and turned to examine the wounded man, he saw a North Vietnamese soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion. With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the marine, Pfc. Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier, and in doing so, was mortally wounded. Pfc. Austin's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."Bill Gonyo/Robert M. Cieri
Austin 49kArtist's conception of the Austin as built by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company Navy Yard Associates offers prints of most destroyers, destroyer escorts, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. If you decide to purchase artwork from them please indicate that you heard about their work from NavSource.Navy Yard Associates
Austin 145kThe U.S. Navy commissioned USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) on August 19 2000 at Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Me. The ship is named in honor of Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, USMC, (pictured top left) who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage in Vietnam. His ribbons are shown below the illustration with a rubbing of his name from the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. The 2 helicopters in this illustration offer improved Anti-Submarine Warfare capability for USS Oscar P. Austin, which is the first of the Flight IIA Arleigh Burke class Aegis destroyers. Illustration by Peter K. Hsu of Anteon Corporation.Bill Gonyo
Austin 138kUndated, location unknown.Fred Weiss
Austin 116kUndated, location unknown. Launching an SM-2 missile. Photo from "Twenty First Century Warships" by Steve Crawford.Robert Hurst
Austin 125kUndated, in Hampton Roads.Robert Hurst
Austin 133kOctober 9 1997, unidentified shipyard officials and Navy officers pose for a photograph at the official keel laying ceremony of the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin ( DDG 79 ) at Bath Iron Works, Bath Main.Fred Weiss
Austin 99kThe launching ceremony phamphlet.Chester O. Morris
Austin 67kLaunching of DDG 79 USS Oscar Austin, Bath Shipworks, Bath, Maine.Bill Gonyo
Austin 81kUSS Oscar Austin (DDG-79), shown at Bath Iron Works on 8 November 1998, one day after she was launched. Robert Hurst
Austin 90kMay 2000 at Bath Iron Works, Bath, ME.Brian J. Johnson
Austin 97kPortland, ME during Bravo trials.Mike Bolton
Austin 98kPortland, ME during Bravo trials.Mike Bolton
Austin 21kSteaming down the Kennebec River from Bath, Maine to Portland, Maine in July, 2000.Jim Hocking
Austin 129kCommissioning Program for USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) held at Bath Iron Works, Bath ME on 19 August 2000.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 80kUSS Oscar Austin DDG-79 passes Fort Popham as she exits the Kennebec River leaving the Bath Iron Works to join the Fleet. May 29, 2001.Steven A. Cardali
Austin 84kThe guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) steams off the coast of Florida, while underway with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Battle Group during a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U. S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass.Fred Weiss
Austin 98kALL Hands Magazine October 2001, SK2(SW) Latoya Scott stands the low-visibility watch during a sea-and-anchor drill on board USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79). Photo by PH2(AW) CJ Cole.Bill Gonyo
Austin 163k020225-N-6027E-004. Brest, France, February 25 2002, Gas Turbine Systems Technician 2nd Class Tamera Kimbrough from Bald Head Island, NC, mans the Electric Plant Control Console in the Central Control Station. Oscar Austin is awaiting the start of Operation Strong Resolve. Strong Resolve is a NATO training exercise, held every four years, designed to manage two simultaneous crises in separate geographical regions that will test two types of NATO missions, an Article Five collective defense operation and a Crisis Response Operation (CRO). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Kevin Elliott.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 33kDeparting Brest, France, Feb.27, 2002.Marc Piché
Austin 77kBrest, France, Feb.27, 2002.Marc Piché
Austin 68kUSS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) and USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) at Brest, France, Feb.27, 2002. Notice the differences between Flight IIa and Flight II types.Marc Piché
Austin 94k020302-N-6027E-001. March 2 2002, aAt night while approaching the Great Belt Bridge, Denmark, Oscar Austin transits the Kattegat strait on her way to Kiel, Germany, to participate in Operation Strong Resolve. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Kevin Elliott.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 198k021029-N-3235P-513. At sea aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) October 29 2002 Operations Specialist 1st Class Michael B. Hoch gives a status report to Commander John P. Cordle, Commanding Officer, while standing watch as Aircraft Interceptor Controller monitoring a no fly zone around the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Battle Group. Oscar Austin is underway with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducting missions in support of a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 168kOctober 29 2002, onboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) underway with Truman Battle Group for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy Seals assigned to Team Four, Little Creek, VA., fast rope onto the fantail of USS Oscar-Austin (DDG-79) during JTFEX. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class (AW) Michael W. Pendergrass.Bill Gonyo
Austin 120k021102-N-3235P-510. At sea aboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), November 2 2002, Lt.j.g. Ike R. Stutts recovers a SH-60B Seahawk assigned to the "Carnivorous Hellions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Eight (HSL-48), Detachment Six, from the ship’s Landing Signals Officer (LSO) station aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79). Oscar Austin is underway for a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass.Bill Gonyo
Austin 175k021103-N-3235P-508. At sea aboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79), November 3 2002, Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Winslow O. Young assigned to the Operations Department's Deck Division, observes surrounding vessels through binoculars while standing Forward Lookout Watch on the Signal Bridge of the guided missile destroyer. The ship is underway with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Battle Group for a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass.Bill Gonyo
Austin 66kNorfolk, Va., Dec. 5, 2002, friends and families give a farewell to their Sailors and Marines aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) as she gets underway with the Harry S. Truman Battle Group. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg.Fred Weiss
Austin 62kNorfolk, Va., Dec. 5, 2002, a Sailor washes down the forward anchor aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) before getting underway with the Harry S. Truman Battle Group on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo.Fred Weiss
Austin 72kThe Straits of Gibraltar January 19 2003, the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) escorts Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 19) into the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy Photo.Fred Weiss
Austin 96k030523-N-7097H-004. Norfolk, Virginia May 23 2003, USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) approaches pier 6 at its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va. after its maiden deployment with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group. The Carrier Strike Group was deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Sondra Howett.Bill Gonyo
Austin 113kA series of3 images of the visit of the USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) and USS San Jacinto (CG-56) to Kiel, Germany June 18-24 2004.Gerd Matthes
Austin 113kAs above.Gerd Matthes
Austin 77kAs above.Gerd Matthes
Austin 118kAtlantic Ocean, July 15 2005, the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group conducts a close quarters exercise while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. From left, USS San Jacinto (CG-56), USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79), and the Spanish AEGIS guided missile frigate Álvaro de Bazán (F-101). The strike group was conducting a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Eben Boothby (# 050715-N-8163B-028).USN
Austin 93k050901-N-3541A-005. Norfolk, VA, September 1 2005, the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) deploys from Naval Station Norfolk. Oscar Austin, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, left on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Davis J. Anderson.Bill Gonyo
Austin 156k061020-N-CV135-001. Oscar Austin, October 20 2006, Cmdr. Eric F. Weilenman salutes the side boys, as he comes aboard for a change of command ceremony. Cmdr. Weilenman will become the AUSTIN's new commanding officer during the upcoming ceremony. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Lee Steinhour.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 154k061020-N-CV135-047. Oscar Austin, October 20 2006, Cmdr. Eric F. Weilenman, Commanding Officer (having taken command) of guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), gives a speech after reading his orders, reliving Cmdr. Peter C. DeMane. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Lee Steinhour.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 172k061020-N-CV135-045. Oscar Austin, October 20 2006, Cmdr. Eric F. Weilenman returns the salute of Cmdr. Peter C. DeMane, Commanding Officer of guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), as he is the oncoming commanding officer for the ship's change of command ceremony. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan Lee Steinhour.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 54k070403-N-5345W-171. Atlantic Ocean, April 3 2007, two F/A-18F Super Hornets from the "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 bank hard in formation over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) during an air power demonstration. The Sailors and crew of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 are underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA). TSTA is a standard used to evaluate a ship's readiness for deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 155k070406-N-5345W-098. Atlantic Ocean, April 6 2007, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) fires her 5-inch gun during a gunfire demonstration as she steams alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is under way conducting tailored ship's training availability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 162k070523-N-7656T-003. New York, May 23 2007, sailors man the rails of the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) as the ship enters New York Harbor, N.Y., during the parade of ships to officially kick off the 20th anniversary of Fleet Week New York. More than 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in New York for the event. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Tackitt.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 99k050901-N-6639M-005. The guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) deploys from Naval Station Norfolk for the Gulf Coast in support of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.Jack Treutle
Austin 142kAtlantic Ocean, November 12 2007, the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) sails next to USS Harry S. Truman during a close maneuvering exercise. Truman is part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and is en route to the Central Command area of responsibility as part of the ongoing rotation to support maritime security operations in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Justin Lee Losack, ID# 071112-N-0455L-002,Robert M. Cieri
Austin 72kMediterranean Sea, November 17 2007, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) fires her five-inch guns during a sea power demonstration for the Sailors and distinguished visitors of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is en route to the Central Command area of responsibility as part of the ongoing rotation to support maritime security operations in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daron Street, ID# 071119-N-2844S-002.Robert M. Cieri
Austin 179kUSS Connolly (DD-979) under fire from the USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) during Operation Unitas Gold on April 29 2009.Mike Hibbard
Austin 100k130217-N-PK218-025. Norfolk, February 17 2013, the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) is guided into port by tugboats. The ship returned to Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott.Ron Reeves
Austin 157k140710-N-YO152-063. Atlantic Ocean, July 10 2014, sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) participate in a replenishment-at-sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary small fleet tanker RFA Gold Rover (A271). Oscar Austin is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class DJ Revell.Ron Reeves
Austin 194kPonta Delgada, Azores on July 15 2014.Carlos Manuel Estrela
Austin 147kPonta Delgada, Azores on November 29 2014.Carlos Manuel Estrela
Austin 191kAs above.Carlos Manuel Estrela
Austin 246k150206-N-EI973-033. Arabian Sea, February 6 2015, the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) receives stores during a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO-188). Oscar Austin is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Kirsten Krock.Ron Reeves
Austin 168kPonta Delgada, Azores on July 2 2015.Carlos Manuel Estrela
Austin 211kPonta Delgada, Azores on July 3 2015 with the USS Vicksburg (CG-69) in front.Carlos Manuel Estrela
Austin 211k170417-N-AZ301-017. Norfolk, April 17 2017, the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment to conduct maritime operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Jessica Kellogg.Ron Reeves
Austin 163k170514-N-AX546-1037. Black Sea, May 14 2017, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), background, and the Bulgarian navy frigate Drazki 41 conduct maneuvers during a passing exercise. Oscar Austin is on a routine deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Spratt.Ron Reeves
Austin 808k170828-N-UY653-047. Bergen, Norway, August 28, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), right, is moored alongside the Royal Norwegian Navy guided-missile frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310) in Bergen, Norway, during a port visit. Oscar Austin is on a routine deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan U. Kledzik/Released) Dave Wright
Austin 549k170914-N-UY653-269. Danish Straits, September 14, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) passes the Great Belt Fixed Link, the world's second largest suspension bridge, during its transit through the Danish Straits, Sept. 14, 2017. Oscar Austin is on a routine deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Utah Kledzik/Released)Dave Wright
Austin 871k170916-N-UY653-020. Stockholm, Sweden, September 16, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) arrives in Stockholm, Sweden, for a scheduled port visit. Oscar Austin is on a routine deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Utah Kledzik/Released)Dave Wright
Austin 740k170917-N-UY653-082 Stockholm, Sweden, September 17, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) is in Stockholm, Sweden, for a port visit. Oscar Austin is on a deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Utah Kledzik/Released) Dave Wright
Austin 920k170926-N-UY653-214 Baltic Sea, September 25, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) transits the Baltic Sea. Oscar Austin is on a routine deployment supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe, and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Utah Kledzik/Released) Dave Wright
Austin 60kShip's patch.Mike Smolinski
USS OSCAR AUSTIN DDG-79 History
Note: History is unavailable at this time
This ship was built too late to be covered by the DANFS project

Commanding Officers
Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves


CDR Paul Cristopher Smith    Aug 19 2000 - Nov 30 2001

CDR John Parker Cordle    Nov 30 2001 - Jul 25 2003

CDR Ralph Lawrence (Larry) Tindal III    Jul 25 2003 - Feb 18 2005

CDR Peter Clark DeMane    Feb 18 2005 - Oct 20 2006

CDR Eric Firdaus Weilenman    Oct 20 2006 - Apr 22 2008

CDR James Robert Midkiff    Apr 22 2008 - Oct 23 2009

CDR Jeffrey Joseph Hoppe    Oct 23 2009 - Aug 4 2011

CDR Charlos Devon Washington    Aug 4 2011 - Oct 22 2012

CDR Brian J. Diebold    Oct 22 2012 - August 1 2014

CDR Russell Brian Sanchez    Aug 1 2014 - May 2 2016

CDR Janice Gloria Smith     May 2 2016 - Oct 11 2017

CDR Samantha Anne Dutily    Oct 11 2017 - May 17 2019

CDR Wesley Alexander Brown    May 17 2019 - Nov 13 2020

CDR Matthew I. Krull    Nov 13 2020 - present
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
USS Oscar Austin Website
Tin Can Sailors Website
Destroyer History Foundation
Destroyers Online Website
Official U.S.Navy Destroyer Website

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This page was created by Fred Willishaw (ex ARG-4, AS-11 & DD-692) and is maintained by David L. Wright
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Last Updated 13 March 2021