In 1926 the Battleship Austin docked in the Navy Yard for a ten-year refit, which was the typical interval for the Navy to refit or rebuild their ships. Her remodeling was interally extensive and expensive (over $2M) as she was altered to cope with new threats.
Her original direct-drive turbines were replaced with more efficient geared turbines, though her boilers were not replaced. Anti-torpedo blisters were faired onto her hull over the armor plating, though they cost her a full knot in maximum speed. Centrailized fire control was expanded to include the secondary battery, and new fighting tops were mounted on stronger cage masts. The 3"/50 QF guns were replaced by 3"/50 AA guns to counter the aerial threat from bombers. Bridge wings and torpedo defense platforms on the mast were plated in permanently. Boat stowage was moved forward to accomodate two catapults and new cranes to handle both the boats and the aircraft.
Cosmetically, her hull was repainted in the standard gray, and her name was enlarged on the stern. The Admiral's position just below the bridge was left open, to the confusion of many, as there was a sense that it too would be enclosed against the elements.
Though adapted to the changes in naval threats since World War I, there was concern that she and her sister would be too slow in the coming years, and that if kept beyond 20 years of service another extensive rebuild would be required to keep them suitable for fleet service.