USS Russell (DDG-59)

USS Russell (DDG-59)

USS Russell (DDG-59) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She is the second ship of the USN to carry the name Russell and is named for Rear Admiral John Henry Russell and his son, Commandant of the Marine Corps John Henry Russell, Jr..

In May 2004, Russell departed for a four-month deployment along with several ships including USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717), USS Salvor (ARS-52), USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) & USS McCampbell (DDG-85). The deployment was centered around an annual exercise called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2004.

On 15 April 2006, the guided-missile destroyer Russell provided aid to a fishing vessel in distress while operating in the South China Sea.

On 16 February 2007, Russell was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award.

On 21 February 2008, Russell participated with the USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and the USS Decatur (DDG-73) in the interception and destruction of the dying US satellite US 193. Between 17–21 May 2008, the Russell participated in Exercise KhunjarHaad, a multi-national exercise held in the Gulf of Oman. Other participating warships included the French frigate FS Surcouf (F 711), the British frigate HMS Montrose (F236), the British fleet replenishment tanker RFA Wave Knight (A389), and four other coalition ships conducted air defense; surface warfare operation; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS); and joint gunnery exercises, which focused on joint interoperability training and proficiency.

On 25 March 2008 an official blog of life on the Russell was started, entitled The Destroyermen. It included everyday info about the life of a sailor on board a US Navy destroyer, only included information that would normally be available through official channels. As of August 2011, the last update was posted August 2009.

In June 2008, Russell rescued about 70 people from a disabled boat in the Gulf of Aden.