US Navy Reservists Train aboard USS Russell

A group of 35 U.S. Navy reservists spent their drill weekend aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) Jan. 24-25, providing a welcome boost of manpower to the ship’s crew.

The reservists assisted with crucial work on board Russell including repairing eight quick-acting, water-tight doors, and assisting with the troubleshooting of the ship’s fuel oil transfer system.

Russell is in the midst of an aggressive “return to sea” schedule as the ship transitions from an 18-month to extended drydock selective restricted availability to deployment status. Sailors are working extended hours as they prepare for Type Commander Material Readiness Inspection (TMI) in April, the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) in June, prior to the deployment.

The reservists’ welcome help in equipment repairs, administration, and organization allowed the command to dedicate more time to other valuable training evolutions.

The visit was beneficial for the reservists as well. Working one weekend a month with active duty Sailors is their chance to receive hands on training on various ships’ systems and to see, first hand, the effect of their assistance.

Russell is assigned as part of Destroyer Squadron 1. The ship and crew currently are in the basic training phase in preparation for a future deployment.

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Image: US Navy