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.

Service history
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), and USS McCampbell (DDG-85). The deployment was centered on an annual exercise called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2004.

On 15 April 2006, 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, along with USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and USS Decatur (DDG-73), in the interception and destruction of the dying US satellite US 193. Between 17 and 21 May 2008, Russell participated in Exercise KhunjarHaad, a multi-national exercise held in the Gulf of Oman. Other participating warships included the FRENCH FRIGATE Surcouf, the British frigate HMS Montrose (F236), the British fleet replenishment tanker RFA Wave Knight, 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.

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

In January 2013, Russell's crew completed a hull swap with the crew of USS Halsey (DDG-97) at Naval Base San Diego. Russell is now permanently stationed in San Diego. Halsey was moved to Russell's former homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, with the former Russell crew.

On 4 June 2020, Russell conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait.