The commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 visited guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) Oct. 21 while the ship was underway conducting training in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
During the course of his visit, crew members provided Rear Adm. Richard Butler a thorough tour of the ship’s spaces, including the Multi-Function Towed Array (MFTA) room and Sonar Control.
Lt. j.g. Brian Halliwell, said:
It is great to have an opportunity to show Rear Adm. Butler the equipment we have on board and have a chance to talk about the amazing Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities this ship has.
Our sailors are proud of their work and it is reinforced when someone is truly interested in learning more.
Butler also took time to congratulate Oscar Austin’s Sailors of the Year, Operations Specialist 3rd Class Mirelkis Alvarez Hernandez, Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Lauren Morina and Operations Specialist 1st Class Michelle Orello.
Named for Medal of Honor Recipient Marine Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, the ship is commanded by Clarksville, Texas native Cmdr. Russel B. Sanchez.
Oscar Austin is underway completing its Independent Deployer Certification Exercise (IDCERTEX) while participating in the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)/24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).
Press release, Image: US Navy