SAN DIEGO - The guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) is scheduled to return April 10, 2016 from a 214-day independent deployment to the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific.

While deployed to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets as part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, the ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors operated independently and with two separate carrier strike groups to conduct maritime operations and promote U.S. and partner-nation presence in the region.

During the deployment, Russell provided support to U.S. and partner nations involved in Operation Inherent Resolve, participated in multiple international maritime security exercises, and conducted numerous approach and assist visits.

"I am extremely proud of our Sailors," said Cmdr. Gill McCarthy, commanding officer of Russell. "Our crew performed at an extremely high level for the entirety of our seven month deployment, ensuring that we were capable of carrying out a wide variety of tasking at all times."

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

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

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.