Austin (LPD 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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CDR, John R, Busch Executive Oftcer Commander John Robert Busch was bom in Champaign. III. on January 29. 1939. He graduated from the University of Illinois and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport R.I. where he received his commission as Ensign in 1964. His first assignment was as Operations Off icer onboard the USS Vireo (I SC-205) in Sasebo. Japan. In January 1967 he reported to the USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) as CIC Officer. He spent 15 months on board Speny and then attended the United States Naval Destroyer School in Newport, R.1. He then reported to the USS Strong (DD-758) as Engineering Officer. In January 1971 he reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington. D.C. where he spent three years on the staff of the Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Enlisted Distribution. In July 1974 then LCDR Busch returned to Newport R.I. as a student at the U.S. Naval War College, Command and Staff Course. In October 1 975 he returned to sea duty as Executive Officer of the USS Dupont (DD-94 1 ) where he served until l ay 1977 when he reported for duty as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Support Supreme Allied Command Atlantic. Completing his tour at SACLANT in July 1979. Commander Busch assumed his current duties as Executive Officer on board the USS Austin (LPDF-4). Commander Busch is married to the former Isabel York and they have two children.

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Captain Frederick R, Sabine Commanding Officer ass AusUn (LPI 4) Captain Frederick R. Sabine was bom in Syracuse. h.Y. on September 10. 1928. He enlisted in the Navy in May of 1947. After completing recruit training and submarine school he served as a Commissaryman on the USS Chopper (SS342) and later the USS Spikeftsh (SS-404). After a tour of recruiting duty he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport R.I. He was commissioned an Ensign on August 3. 1956. His rirst assignment was Gunnery Officer on board the USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709). Following this assignment he served at NRS Richmond. Va. He returned to sea as Operations OfTicer on board the USS Tmckee (AO- 147). In October 1963 he became Weapons Officer of the Amphibious Training Unit located at the Naval Amphibious Base at Little Creek, Va. It was back to sea again in October 1 965 as Executive Officer of the USS Kankakee (AO-39). He then transferred to COMNAVFORV as the Current Plans Officer He then returned to Little Creek as the Director of the Special Operations Department of the NAVPHIBSCOL. During this time he quaUried as a peirachutisL Commander Sabine then served as the Executive Officer of the USS Savannah (AOR-4). It was back to Little Creek in September 1972 this time as Commander Inshore Undersea Warfare Group Two. He then served on the staff of COMNAVINSWARLANT as Operations Officer In July 1973 he assumed command of the USS LaMoure County (LSTII94). He then attended the U.S. Army War College. After graduation he became the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. COMPHIBGRU ONE in White Beach. Okinawa. While serving there he was promoted to Captain. Captain Sabine took command of the Naval AmphitX)us School at Little Creek Va. in July 1978. In March 1980 he assumed command of the USS Austin (LPD 4). He is married to the former Rita D. LeBtanc and they have three children.

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BLT 3 2 OFFICERS Company Gunny ■ CYSGT Suchecki. CO. Kilo Co. ■ CAPT Snell. Officer-lnCharge (Jnitas Del - Me or Fulford. Company X.O. ■ CAPT Verhulsdonk, Company 1st SGT ■ GYSGT Sherrod