USS Austin (LPD 4) answered a call for assistance from the Saudi Arabian fishing boat Riviera Dec. 6 while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf. Austin was within visual range of the fishing boat when the five crew members signaled for assistance at approximately 10:20 a.m., when their fishing nets became entangled in their boat’s screw. "Our lookouts, Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Thomas Zabetakis and Seaman Stanley Kinner, did an excellent job this morning spotting the vessel at [a distance of] 5 nautical miles in hazy conditions,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Evans, Austin’s executive officer. After providing tools to the distressed vessel, it was determined that further assistance from U.S. Navy divers would be needed.