1990s
The Austin played an important role during the Iraqi War. In late 1990 the Austin was undergoing maintenance, which was stopped short due to the impending Gulf War and the Austin redeployed. In January 1991 inchoped in Rota for turnover with USS Nashville (LPD-13) and proceeded into the Mediterranean. While there, the Austin conducted exercises with other countries before the call came to support Operation Provide Comfort. The Austin, USS Guadalcanal and USS Charleston all assisted in this mission with one port of call for liberty in Haifa, Israel. The marg was extended by two weeks while they waited to back load Marines who were in northern Iraq. On 7 Aug 1991, Austin pulled into Morehead City to offload Marines, and returned to Norfolk on 8 August for post deployment standdown. In November, Austin entered Metro Machine for dry dock repairs and maintenance. In April 1992, Austin returned to Norfolk to finish repairs and prepare for subsequent work ups and prepared to redeploy in 1993.
In Late October 1990 the USS Austin supported Marines in Operation Sharp Edge, the non-combatant evacuation and defense of the US Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia. In January 1991 the Austin returned to the Mediterranean.
Read more about this topic: USS Austin (LPD-4)