US Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin arrives in Croatia

USS Oscar Austin (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Apprentice Matthew D. Williams. (Released by ENS David Lloyd)/Public Domain)

A United States Navy guided missile destroyer has arrived in southern Croatia, drawing attention in the Adriatic.

The USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) entered Dubrovnik waters on Monday morning and is currently berthed in the Port of Gruž, where it is scheduled to remain until the morning of 6 May, Dubrovački vjesnik writes.

Named after Oscar Palmer Austin, a US Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour for bravery during the Vietnam War, the warship belongs to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, one of the most advanced classes of destroyers in the US fleet.

The USS Oscar Austin has also been involved in recent operational activity. Reports indicate that during heightened tensions in the Middle East earlier this year, the vessel successfully intercepted a medium-range missile aimed at a NATO air base in Turkey.

Its visit to Dubrovnik forms part of a routine port call.

Commissioned in 2000, the vessel is equipped with sophisticated systems for anti-submarine and surface warfare, and includes hangar facilities for helicopters.

The destroyer is currently attached to Destroyer Squadron 60 and operates out of Naval Station Rota.

Recently, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford spent time in Split. The USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship of the U.S. Navy’s newest class of aircraft carriers and one of the most advanced warships in the world.

U.S. Navy units regularly visit Croatia for maintenance, joint training exercises and shore leave.