Oscar Austin News

The director of a yacht management firm was cleared of manslaughter charges bought on by the death of four sailors in 2014.Four U.K. men – two in their twenties and two in their fifties – were killed when the 40-foot Cheeki Rafiki capsized in the Atlantic in May 2014 while returning across the Atlantic Ocean to Southampton from Antigua. The sailors’ bodies were never recovered.Yacht manager Doug Innes, who had been accused of failing to have the yacht properly checked ahead of its voyage and to ensure that its certification was in date for the intended trip, has been found not guilty on four charges of gross negligence manslaughter today at Winchester Crown Court.Innes along with his company Stormforce Coaching had denied all charges…

BAE Systems said it has received contracts from the U.S. Navy for the modernization of guided missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Howard (DDG 83), valued at $41.6 million  and $47.8 million respectively. Oscar Austin will undergo 12 months of work at the company’s shipyard in Norfolk, Va., the ship’s homeport. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $117.1 million. Under the depot maintenance period (DMP) contract…

The U.S. Navy has a balanced fleet, but it wants to grow bigger and better. Will the budget allow both? Maritime Reporter's March 2017 cover story on the U.S. Navy was all about the numbers. There exists several plans to grow the fleet beyond the current number of 308 ships, the Mitre recommendation of 414 ships, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment 340-ship proposal, and the Navy’s decision to grow the fleet to 355 ships, and the Trump administration’s 350. With so many numbers being bandied about, there are even more suggestions on how to get there.

1812 - The frigate USS Constitution captures the frigate HMS Guerriere, off Halifax, Nova Scotia after an intense battle. 1818 - Capt. James Biddle, as commanding officer of USS Ontario, takes possession of Oregon Territory for United States. 1936 - Lt. B. L. Braun, pilot, completes test bombing against the submarine USS R -8 (SS 85) off the Virginia capes, sinking the old submarine and proving the value of properly armed aircraft in antisubmarine warfare. 1943 - USS Finback (SS 230) sinks the Japanese auxiliary submarine chaser (No.109) off the eastern Celebes.

Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Adm. John Kirby, recently held a press briefing where he discussed the specifics of how the Department of Defense is supporting Santa Claus’ yuletide journey as he delivers gifts around the world. The U.S. 6th Fleet is on high alert, focusing maritime assets on protecting the waters within its area of operations to ensure the Jolly Old Elf is able to complete his rounds as he, much like 6th Fleet ships, operates forward. “Our theater of operations extends from the seabed to space, from the North Pole to South Africa. If it flies, we can see it. If it floats, we can find it and if it’s submerged, we will hear it. – Vice Adm. James G. Foggo, III, Commander, U.S. “Oscar Austin reporting from the Indian Ocean, ensuring Maritime Santa Lanes remain open.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) departed Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 21 for a deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). The ship will conduct maritime security operations and provide theater security cooperation efforts within the AOR. Oscar Austin will deploy with ScanEagle, an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) designed to provide real-time, low-altitude reconnaissance. The crew recently participated in Baltic Operations 2014, a multinational exercise in the Baltic Sea. Exercise goals were to improve maritime safety and security through increased interoperability and cooperation among participating nations. "The crew has worked hard to prepare this ship for deployment," said Cmdr. Russel Sanchez, Oscar Austin's commanding officer.

Joint exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2014, is set for June 6-21, in the Baltic Sea. : U.S. Navy units include the amphibious command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and members of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, as well as members of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/6th Fleet from Naples, Italy. This year's exercise will include 1,300 U.S. service members, in addition to forces from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The Navy took another step to increase ships' capabilities against asymmetric surface threats, as the Shipboard Protection System (SPS) completed its first pierside and underway test events aboard the USS Benfold (DDG 65) on Feb. 26. The SPS provides a ship’s commander with organic tools to rapidly assess emerging surface threats and defend against terrorist attacks like the one that severely damaged the USS Cole in 2000. Ultimately, most U.S. naval surface vessels will have an SPS to provide integrated anti-terrorism/force protection capabilities while operating in littoral waters including foreign or domestic ports, restricted waterways and coastal areas, where terrorists can pose a significant threat to naval vessels.

Commander, 2nd Fleet ordered ships based in Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia to get underway Sept. 16, to avoid potential damage to ships and piers from anticipated hurricane force winds and high tidal surges. Ships currently underway will stay out to sea until Hurricane Isabel passes. Vice Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet, said the decision to sortie the ships from Hampton Roads is based on concerns for the safety of Sailors, and the preservation of the ships and associated equipment. Forty Hampton Roads-based ships and submarines will get underway Sept.

Exercise Four Norfolk-based ships departed Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 20 to participate in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet’s annual theater Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise, Smart Search ’04.The exercise begins Aug. 29 off the east coast of the United States. This is the fourth year of the annual exercise and is headed by Commander, Task Force 84. The goal of the exercise is to effectively employ and improve the combat capability of Atlantic Fleet submarines and afloat ASW forces while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of operations ashore.The exercise will test, assess and improve the proficiency of Navy theater ASW forces in a complex, realistic training scenario involving Navy ships, submarines and aircraft. ASW remains an important part of U.S.

In remembrance for his valiant and dedicated efforts to his fellow soldiers, the U.S. Navy last year named its fifteenth Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer in honor of COL Donald G. Cook. Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage while a prisoner of war (POW), Cook is noted as a heroic figure for his rescue efforts during the Vietnam War. As an observer from Communications Company on a 30-day tour of duty, then Captain Cook was stationed at Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. After being wounded on New Year's Eve 1964, Cook was captured by Viet Cong forces near Binh Gia, Phouc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. He had been out on a search for an American helicopter that had gone down in the area when he was seized.

The USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), the first of the Arleigh Burke Flight 2A Aegis destroyers and the 17th Bath Iron Works-built, was commissioned in Norfolk Naval Station on Saturday August 19, 2000. Ship sponsor Dianne Reason, wife of retired admiral Paul Reason, brought the ship to life. Retired Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer, father of Aegis, conducted the tradition of the passing of the Long glass to the first officer of the watch. The Flight 2A is a variant of the Burke class. It has full-up helo facilities, carrying up to two SH-60B Seahawk helicopters. The destroyer's first commanding officer is Commander Paul C. Smith USN and Executive officer Lieutenant Commander Thomas F. Schwarz USN.

More than 7,300 Sailors from 17 commands and three staffs left their homeports Nov. 5 as Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) deployed to the Central Command Area of Operations as part of the ongoing rotation to support Maritime Security Operations in the region. According to Rear Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10, the mission of the HSTCSG is to be ready, when called upon, to support theater commanders. He emphasized that throughout all operations, safety will remain a primary focus. "We are a robust strike group able to support the needs of our president," Gortney said. The strike group returned from participating in Bold Step in early August, wrapping up a month-long Composite Training Unit Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise.

Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) pose for a photograph in Times Square while on liberty. The 20th annual Fleet Week New York is an opportunity for New Yorkers to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and thank them for their service. Fleet Week honors the service and sacrifice of all Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as the city of New York, in the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael W. Sailors and Marines in New York for Fleet Week May 23-30 took advantage of the sights, sounds and hospitality the city extended to them. Fleet Week New York City 2007 is the 20th annual event of its kind.

Thousands of friends and family members gathered at Naval Station Norfolk for the return of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), March 11, following a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism. The early morning arrival of Theodore Roosevelt didn’t deter the crowd. Family members waited in the early Saturday morning chill, anticipating the return of their loved ones. “It’s like Christmas all over again,” said Diane Drach, mother of Machinist's Mate Fireman Ashley Drach, who is stationed aboard Theodore Roosevelt. While deployed, Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 launched 5,412 sorties totaling nearly 19,362 flight hours in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

The guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) located and assisted a distressed fishing vessel Feb. 14 while operating 140 nautical miles off the coast of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship, which is part of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Strike Group, was headed to Civitavechia, Italy, the next scheduled port of call, when its SH-60B Seahawk helicopter discovered the drifting fishing boat in distress. The boat’s five crew members were waving flags and shot a white flare to get the aircraft's attention. The Italian fishing vessel named Zaira SR 2437, which had no remaining fuel and no ability to communicate via radio, had lost propulsion and was drifting further out to sea. With 30 plus knot winds, high seas and a frigid temperature, the crew needed help immediately.

In the distance, storm clouds drop their torrent upon the sea as the ship breaks through heavy seas. The number on her bow — 85 — disappears and reappears with each crest of the waves. Suddenly above the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, as if it had traveled through a time portal, screams a Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat — a World War II fighter. Painted on her fuselage are the words "Minsi III" and 34 Japanese flags. An episode from "The Twilight Zone" perhaps? No, simply the latest pencil drawing by naval architect and artist Peter K. Hsu. A marine engineer and self-taught artist, Hsu recently presented a copy of his architectural portrait of Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) McCampbell (DDG 85) to Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig.