U.S. Fleet Forces Command
10/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2024 12:24
Fifth U.S. Navy DDG Homeport Shifts to Rota, Spain
Fifth U.S. Navy DDG Homeport Shifts to Rota, Spain
by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/ U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs
15 October 2024
NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Oct. 15, 2024) Cmdr. Scott Burrill, the commanding officer of the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), raises a Spanish flag with Spanish Armada Capt. Ernesto Guesos, Commander, 41st Frigate Squadron, during the ship's homeport shift to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, from NAVSTA Norfolk, Va., Oct. 15, 2024. Oscar Austin is the first of two additional DDGs to join the Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe (FDNF-E) force. As the "Gateway to the Mediterranean," NAVSTA Rota provides U.S., NATO and allied forces a strategic hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NAVSTA Rota is a force multiplier, capable of promptly deploying and supporting combat-ready forces through land, air and sea, enabling warfighters and their families, sustaining the fleet and fostering the U.S. and Spanish partnership.
USS Oscar Austin homeport shifts to NAVSTA Rota
ROTA, Spain - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) arrived to its new homeport of Naval Station Rota, Oct. 15, as the first of two additional DDGs to join the Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe (FDNF-E) force.
NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Oct. 15, 2024) Cmdr. Scott Burrill, the commanding officer of the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), raises a Spanish flag with Spanish Armada Capt. Ernesto Guesos, Commander, 41st Frigate Squadron, during the ship's homeport shift to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, from NAVSTA Norfolk, Va., Oct. 15, 2024. Oscar Austin is the first of two additional DDGs to join the Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe (FDNF-E) force. As the "Gateway to the Mediterranean," NAVSTA Rota provides U.S., NATO and allied forces a strategic hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NAVSTA Rota is a force multiplier, capable of promptly deploying and supporting combat-ready forces through land, air and sea, enabling warfighters and their families, sustaining the fleet and fostering the U.S. and Spanish partnership.
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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Drace Wilson
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The arrival of Oscar Austin expands U.S. Navy capabilities in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. Oscar Austin is now assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60 / Commander, Task Force (CTF) 65 and U.S. 6th Fleet.
" USS Oscar Austin's arrival to Naval Station Rota strengthens our commitment to maintaining a forward presence in Europe," said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. "The addition of this ship to our forces in the region provides our Allies with an added layer of security and assurance, and serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and Spain."
Modernized with the latest Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) upgrade, USS Oscar Austin offers a key capability for the U.S., directly contributing to extended deterrence by providing Allies and partners protection against the threat of ballistic missile attack. The second U.S. Navy destroyer to shift its homeport to Naval Station Rota, scheduled to arrive in 2026, also has the latest Aegis BMD upgrade.
"Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are true multi-mission ships, capable of providing maritime security, conducting anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," said Capt. Alex Mamikonian, commodore, DESRON 60 and CTF 65. "Bringing USS Oscar Austin to Spain enhances our ability to maintain ready and postured forces to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment."
Oscar Austin departed Norfolk, Va. Sept. 30 to transit to Spain and assist in providing full coverage and protection for all NATO European populations, territories and forces against the increasing threats posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles.
The initial decision to base destroyers out of Spain is part of the U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach announced by President Obama in 2009. Since its announcement, the U.S. has broadened its Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capabilities in theater including increasing FDNF-E from four to six and the finalization of the second Aegis Ashore site in Poland.
Oscar Austin is the first Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer and proudly bears the name of Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, United States Marine Corps. Oscar Austin was commissioned on August 19, 2000, in Norfolk, Va. Oscar Austin is ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare capable. The ship can embark two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to assist in anti-submarine and other warfare areas. Destroyers can work with Carrier Strike Groups, Surface Action Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups or independently.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.