For the first time in nearly two years, USS Russell (DDG 59) departed Naval Base San Diego for an underway under her own power, Oct. 28, to conduct a week of contractor sea trials.
The sea trials wrapped up an $84 million Extended Dry Dock Selective Restricted Availability (EDSRA) period.
The schedule of events included an underway replenishment, Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) shoot, 25mm gun shoot, crew-serve weapons shoot, anchoring evolutions and a full-power run event. Despite such a prolonged time in the yards, Russell accomplished all of the events.
One of the biggest challenges was managing an extremely aggressive engineering testing schedule, which included a light-off assessment, dock trials and a fast cruise. The schedule would not have been possible without close cooperation between the engineering and supply departments.
The supply department expedited more than 50 parts in the two weeks prior to Russell’s first underway in 662 days, ensuring the ship was able to have minimum equipment for sea trials.
The EDSRA was part of the Naval Sea Systems Surface Warfare (SEA-21) Comprehensive Modernization Program. Russell is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 1.
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Press release, Image: US Navy