USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79)

USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79)

USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy. The ship is currently part of Carrier Strike Group Ten.

Oscar Austin is named for Private First Class Oscar P. Austin, USMC, a recipient of the Medal of Honor. His mother, Mildred Austin, was the matron of honor at the commissioning.

Oscar Austin's maiden deployment in late 2002 resulted in her participation in the opening strikes of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Oscar Austin recently deployed in September 2005, once again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship returned from a successful deployment in March 2006.

As of 2007, Oscar Austin was operating in Destroyer Squadron 26.

As of 2008 the Oscar Austin is the first combatant ship to deploy with a Scan Eagle UAV developed and flown by Insitu Inc.