CTF 55 Conducts Iraqi Bilateral Exercise in the Arabian Gulf

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Torrey W. Lee

ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- U.S. maritime forces aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) and the Island-class Coast Guard cutter USCGC Monomoy partnered with an Iraqi navy Swift Boat (P-310) to complete a monthly bilateral exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 14-15.

 The exercise provided a surface warfare experience with the partnering nations by exchanging subject matter experts (SME) and conducting live-fire exercises in a tactical environment.

 "The goal of this exercise is to build interoperability and work together with Iraq," said Lt.j.g. Samuel Ross, a bilateral liaison assigned to Commander, Task Force 55. "The relationships we build through these bilaterals are what allow the Navy to grow and be able to operate in the Arabian Gulf."

 U.S. forces in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations have been conducting various Iraqi bilateral exercises over the past 18 months. Each exercise introduces a variety of elements from surface and air warfare, to visit,, board, search, seizures (VBSS) and interdiction operations.

 "An important factor in our operations is communications," said Ross. "In the maritime domain, which is the Arabian Gulf, communications help us level the playing field and work together as a cohesive unit."

 Continuing the theme of strong communication, SMEs from the U.S. and Iraqi maritime forces worked together, going from ship to ship, demonstrating tactics, and synchronizing weapons systems to promote combined-joint interoperability.
 "Having similar weapons systems, we can share the knowledge with our allies so that we both can use our weapons effectively and safely," said Gunner's Mate 1st Class Christopher Lamotte, Russell's armory lead petty officer. "With technology always changing, we can rely on our partners. If they have a new system, we can share the knowledge, and this is what makes us into a stronger Navy."

 During the two-day exercise, coalition forces performed weapons synchronization, maritime infrastructure protection exercises (MIPEX), and combined-joint gun exercises.

 "MIPEX provides an opportunity to practice our force protection tactics with joint and international partners," said Lt. Andrew Corwell, U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia's current operations officer. "The U.S. Coast Guard understands coastal operations, and this helps our ability to interact with various navies and coast guards in this area that are uses to these coastal environments."

 Coalition partners completed live-fire exercises, from basic to more advanced operations. The three ships involved were capable of integrating formation tactics in targeting a simulated surface contact.

 "This bilateral was a big success. We reached all of our mission objectives," said Ross. "We were able to complete multiple scenario-based exercises, and we were able to build on our existing relationship with Iraq. This was a big Bravo Zulu to all of the joint-combined units, and we look forward to our next monthly exercise."

 Commander, Task Force 55 controls surface forces including U.S. Navy coastal patrol craft and U.S Coast Guard patrols boats in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 5th Fleet continues to expand its relationship with the Iraqi navy through key leader engagements, professional exchanges and by conducting exercises in the Arabian Gulf.

USS Russell Returns to Pearl Harbor from Seven-Month Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a scheduled seven-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibilities (AOR) Aug. 6.

Russell deployed under the Middle Pacific Surface Combatant deployment concept, in which Pearl Harbor-based ships deploy in support of operations in the Middle East and western Pacific.

Russell also conducted integrated operations in conjunction with coalition partners, and with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

"While on deployment we operated mainly in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR protecting oil platforms," said Cmdr. Rodney Patton, commanding officer of Russell. "On our way home we conducted operations with the Malaysian Navy, and we stopped in Japan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan-U.S. alliance."

Patton also spoke about how well the more than 200 Russell Sailors performed on the deployment.

"I could not have asked of anything more from the ship and the crew. It was an outstanding performance," said Patton. "We were on station each and every day, and we never missed any tasking."

Friends and families of Russell Sailors lined the pier as they waited for the ship to arrive.

"I really haven't seen my husband that much this year because the ship has been deployed for a while now," said the wife of a Russell Sailor. "I'm just really happy to see him and be able to spend some extended time with him."

Sailors were happy to be home as they walked off the ship to be greeted by their families.

"It was a long deployment and it feels great to be back here in Hawaii," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Nickerson. "I think we did a great job on the deployment, and I want to thank everyone who was involved for the support."

Guided-missile destroyers like Russell provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.

USS Russell Returns from Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawai’i Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 300 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) arrived to a crowded pier of friends and family at Naval Station Pearl Harbor Oct. 26, following a three-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

Russell deployed July 27 as an independent deployer to 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR).

While in 7th Fleet's AOR, Russell participated in South East Asian Cooperation for Anti-Terrorism and the Indonesian portion of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).

Cmdr. Rodney Patton, commanding officer of Russell, described the great effort and teamwork that Russell Sailors displayed while on deployment.

"I could not have asked of anything more from the crew during the deployment," said Patton. "They performed very well and carried out all tasks that Russell was assigned to do."

Friends and families of Russell Sailors lined the pier with excitement as they waited for the ship to arrive.

"The deployment wasn't as long as they usually are, but three months is still a long time and I'm just really excited to see him," said the wife of a Russell Sailor.

Sailors were overjoyed to be home as they walked off the ship and into the arms of their loved ones.

"It is just really great to come home and see my family waiting here on the pier for me," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Shawn Daudaherty. "I've been anxiously awaiting this day for a while, and I'm happy it has finally came."

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and various Southeast Asia nations. Participants historically include the navies of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Guided-missile destroyers like Russell provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.

USS Russell Deploys to Support Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2009

By Lt.j.g. Douglas Marks, USS Russell Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Family and friends said goodbye to more than 250 officers and crew members of the Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile destroyer, USS Russell (DDG 59) July 27.

Russell, commanded by Cmdr. Rodney M. Patton, is scheduled for a three-month deployment to Southeast Asia in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2009. While deployed, the crew will train with numerous Southeast Asian navies to foster relations in support of the global war on terrorism.

"This deployment should be both educational and fun not only because we are going to make a lot of port visits, but because we are going to train with other navies whom have different skill sets than us," said Ensign Sean McDonnell, Russell's combat information center officer. "Hopefully, we will be able to have sailors go to other navies' ships and see their daily operations while some of their sailors visit our ship," he said.

Russell, along with Destroyer Squadron 31 and multinational forces, will conduct seamanship events, helicopter operations and visit, boarding, search and seizure operations, and various maritime exercises. The ship is scheduled to return in late October.

USS Russell Returns from Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returned to their homeport of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor Oct. 1 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific in support of the global war on terrorism.

"It's been a long deployment so it feels great to be home," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Ryan Cook. "I've been waiting five months to finally meet my daughter [for the first time] and it's an amazing feeling."

Cook added that he was proud of his other shipmates and was glad to be a member of Russell's crew for the deployment.

"We have a great crew here," said Cook. "We all worked long days and nights during the deployment to make sure the job was done."

The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and hula dancers performed while friends and family held 'welcome home' signs and waved to the Sailors as the ship came alongside the pier.

"I'm so excited that I'm at a loss for words," said a wife of a Russell Sailor. "It's great to finally see them come home."

After the ship moored and the brow was in place, Sailors rushed down the brow to embrace loved ones on the pier and enjoy well-deserved liberty.

"It's great to see all of the family and friends on the pier waiting for us on such a beautiful day," said Cmdr. Jeff Weston, Russell's commanding officer. "It makes coming home that much more special."

Weston also added his thanks to the Sailors for a mission accomplished.

"The crew performed spectacularly," said Weston. "We spent very little time in port and they all did amazing work out there. Every mission we were tasked with we performed flawlessly and it's a credit to them."

Russell and her crew departed Pearl Harbor on March 24 as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group. Supporting Maritime Security Operations in the 5th Fleet area of operations, Russell helped develop security in the maritime environment and promoted stability and global prosperity.

During the deployment, Russell interacted with coalition forces, offered humanitarian assistance to a stranded boat with 70 Somalis onboard, participated in joint exercises, and pulled into six ports, where its crew contributed to the host nation in community relations projects.

Russell is 505 feet in length, 66 feet wide and has a maximum speed of 30 plus knots. The primary mission of Russell is to destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, submarines, surface ships, and land targets. Russell is normally assigned to a carrier strike group and brings significant capabilities to the battle force, carrying the latest technology in all areas of modern warfare.

USS Russell Navigates Uncharted Waters with Ship's Blog

By Electronics Technician 3rd Class Tyler Kirkland, Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs



Blog editor note: I recommend you stop by and visit with the crew of the Russell on their blog. The XO is doing a nice job of documenting the cruise. BZ Commander de the Chief.

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Russell's (DDG 59) Web log is having an impact on the World Wide Web since its debut two weeks ago, reaching 5,000 hits April 7.

The Web log which started and coincided with the ship's deployment as part of the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

Lt. Cmdr. Chris van Avery, Russell's executive officer, reported aboard the guided-missile destroyer looking to tell a story. The story is about the life of Sailors at sea and their contributions to the war on terrorism and the execution of the Navy's Maritime Strategy. The result is "The Destroyermen," a Web log, or "blog," dedicated to the life of Russell and her crew.

With a new post nearly every day, this method of storytelling has proven to be a hit for Russell and the Navy.

"When I discussed it with the chain of command and the public affairs community, I don't think any of us expected such a positive reaction from the public," van Avery said.

Freelance journalist and a long-time observer of how the armed services use and react to the alternative media, David Axe, stated on his personal blog, "War is boring."

However, Axe was more complimentary about Russell's blog.

"With this sweet little blog, the Navy is now in second place in the race to harness the power of the Internet for educating the American people about the military," Axe wrote on his blog, noting and crediting the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs capturing first place.

Another new media observer and former Pentagon spokesman, Steve Field, noted on "The D-Ring," his Web log, "I've got to say that I am thoroughly impressed with [the] blog started aboard [Russell]. It works because it is authentic. It's got a real voice."

"The other services have some catching up to do, it looks like …" he concluded.

Lt. Cmdr. van Avery was not the first active duty Sailor to start a Web log, as some of the links on the site prove. But, he was one of the first to have the support of his chain of command in the endeavor.

The blog welcomes personal accounts of life at sea and photos from any of Russell's Sailors who wish to contribute. To date, six of the ship's 250 crew members and the Navy College Program Afloat for College Education instructor have participated.

The audience van Avery considers most important, though – the crew and their families and friends – have been especially pleased.

A comment left by the wife of a Sailor out to sea expressed gratitude for the blog and her appreciation for the information it provides.

"These daily blogs are so helpful," the spouse wrote, "especially since it is sometimes days without hearing from my husband."

"It brings comfort" she added.

Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Brian Mittenburg said, "This Web log is a really cool idea."

It really hits the nail on the head, and I look forward to reading more like these when my career has come to its conclusion," he added.

Russell is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and is currently on a scheduled deployment transiting to the 5th Fleet area of operations with the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group in support of the Maritime Security Operations.

The Web log is viewable at destroyermen.blogspot.com.

Russell Departs for Deployment with Lincoln CSG

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) departed their homeport of Naval Station Pearl Harbor March 24 to join the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

Friends and family waved goodbye as the ship left the pier for a regularly scheduled deployment with the strike group in support of the war on terrorism.

"It's a pretty powerful feeling to see them leave," said a spouse of a Russell Sailor. "We recently found out I'm pregnant, so I can't wait for them to come back to celebrate."

Cmdr. Jeff Weston, commanding officer, Russell, believes the crew is capable of completing any and all tasks they may receive during the deployment.

"We are a multi-mission destroyer and we are given many different missions during a deployment," said Weston. "I always tell the crew we're going to go where we're told to go and when that time comes, we'll be ready."

The crew of Russell looks forward to getting back underway, carrying out the tasks assigned to them and visiting foreign countries during port visits.

"It's exciting and I try to make the best of it even though I have to leave my family behind," said Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Julio Cortez. "Every deployment I look forward to going to new places, seeing different cultures and supporting our country."

Prior to deploying, Russell participated in a Composite Training Unit Exercise and a Joint Task Force Exercise to hone their skills and become certified in mission areas.

"Both the exercises helped prepare the ship in the mission areas and made sure we were certified for deployment. Everything we can imagine to do during a deployment, they do in order to prepare you for deployment," said Weston.

Russell is 505 feet in length, 66 feet wide and has a maximum speed of 30 plus knots. The primary mission of Russell is to destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, submarines, surface ships, and land targets. Russell is normally assigned to a carrier strike group and brings significant capabilities to the battle force, carrying the latest technology in all areas of modern warfare.