The amphibious assault ship USS Austin (LPD 4) was decommissioned Sept. 27, during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, ending more than 41 years of naval service. “We are one of the oldest, best ships in the fleet and its time to turn over the watch,” said Cmdr. Kevin Flanagan, Austin’s commanding officer. Commissioned Feb. 6, 1965, Austin was the first LPD class ship built, and the lead ship in its class. The ship was involved in the nation’s space program as the recovery ship for Apollo 12, and part of the recovery for Apollo 14 and 15. Austin was also the test platform for a wide range of expeditionary warfare systems entering the fleet, including: MH-53 helicopter, precursors of the present day landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8 Harrier jets.