Newsroom
The USS Oscar Austin has made a swift return to Cyprus, this time docking at Larnaca Port, just a month after its previous stop in Limassol. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer continues its mission in the region, reinforcing security and strategic cooperation between the United States and its allies.
US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie S. Davis, personally welcomed the ship’s arrival, emphasizing its advanced capabilities in ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare. She highlighted the Oscar Austin’s role in ensuring stability in the Mediterranean and beyond, as part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet’s broader security mission.
A Powerful Asset in the Region
According to the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, the USS Oscar Austin is one of two additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers being deployed to Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe (FDNF-E). These ships are enhancing the operational reach of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), expanding the U.S. Navy’s presence in key strategic waters.
The Oscar Austin, commissioned in 2000, is no ordinary warship. It is the first Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, boasting the ability to conduct multi-domain warfare and even embark two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for anti-submarine operations and surveillance. Whether operating independently or alongside Carrier Strike Groups, Surface Action Groups, and Expeditionary Strike Groups, it is a vital asset in maintaining maritime security.
A Strong Naval Partnership with Cyprus
The USS Oscar Austin’s return to Cyprus signals the growing naval collaboration between the United States and Cyprus, as the island continues to play a crucial role in regional security. The ship’s visit to Limassol in July was part of a routine port call, allowing the crew to conduct essential training, maintenance, and, of course, enjoy some much-needed downtime in Cyprus.
While this latest stop in Larnaca is part of its broader operational mission, it also highlights the strengthening military and diplomatic ties between Cyprus and the United States. With increasing naval activity in the Mediterranean, Cyprus remains a key strategic hub in the region—one that the U.S. Navy clearly values in its ongoing efforts to ensure stability.
