USS Russell Starts Independent Deployment

The guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) is scheduled to depart Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 9 on an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and Middle East.

Prior to proceeding on deployment Russell will participate in an independent deployer certification exercise (IDCERTEX). The exercise provides a multi-ship environment to train and certify independent deployers in surface warfare, air defense, maritime interception operations, command and control/information warfare, command, control, computers and combat systems intelligence, and mine warfare.

While deployed to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, the ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two Three (DESRON 23), will conduct presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.

Russell is a multi-mission ship with anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatant capabilities; designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group.

The ship is homeported in San Diego and is part of Naval Surface Forces and U.S. 3rd Fleet.

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Image: US Navy