USS Oscar Austin docks at Larnaca Port

08:00 - 19 February 2025

Current Affairs Reporter

The USS Oscar Austin is back in Cyprus, just a month after it first docked at Limassol Port. This time, however, it has arrived at Larnaca Port.

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Davis, welcomed the USS Oscar Austin for a port call in Larnaca.

"Ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare capable, the Oscar Austin continues its mission to advance security in the Med and beyond," she said.

According to the US Fleet Forces Command, the Oscar Austin is the first of two additional Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to join the current Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe (FDNF-E) – adding additional capabilities to the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility.

Oscar Austin is the first Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer, and proudly bears the name of Pfc. Oscar P. Austin of the United States Marine Corps. The USS Oscar Austin was commissioned on 19 August, 2000, in Norfolk, VA. The ship is capable of ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare. It can also embark two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to assist with anti-submarine and other warfare operations. Destroyers can operate with Carrier Strike Groups, Surface Action Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, or independently.

The USS Oscar Austin had previously docked in Limassol for a scheduled port visit back in January. A post on Facebook noted, "these types of evolutions are critical to keeping our ship trained and safe, and, in this case, ensuring some good rest and relaxation in the beautiful island port!"

(Sources: CNA/ Facebook)

USS Oscar Austin docks at Larnaca Port

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