The officers and crew of USS Russell (DDG 59) played a key role in supporting one of three People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships visiting San Diego by hosting the crew of the frigate CNS Yueyang (FF 575), Aug. 10-14.
Along with Yueyang, the destroyer CNS Haikou (DD 171) and supply ship CNS Qiandaohu (AO 886) were the first Chinese navy ships to visit San Diego in nearly a decade.
As one of three host ships, Russell was a critical piece in the agenda of the key diplomatic visit, providing manpower and logistical support to the guests. Rear Adm. Patrick J. Lorge, commander, Navy Region Southwest, the Chinese ambassador to the United States, and several distinguished guests attended a welcoming ceremony held Aug. 10.
Other key events included reciprocal ship tours as well as intramural sports. The tours were a fascinating experience for American and Chinese sailors alike.
Russell Sailors provided the Chinese sailors a tour through various areas including the central control station, medical facilities, the mess decks, galley, a repair locker, the ship’s store, one of the crew berthings, the wardroom and pilot house. Russell Sailors in turn visited the bridge, conference room, torpedo deck and foc’sle of the Chinese frigate.
The visit supported the mission statement of fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships with an expanding set of allies and international partners to enhance global security contained in Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert’s “Sailing Directions.”
Russell is assigned as part of Destroyer Squadron 1.