USS Russell Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander M Corona | 191023-N-VN584-1138 SAN DIEGO (Oct. 23, 2019) Cmdr. Matthew Foster, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), gives remarks during a change of command ceremony. Cmdr. Ryan Rogers relieved Foster as commanding officer during the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Corona/Released)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

10.23.2019

Story by Christopher Cavagnaro 

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)     

SAN DIEGO – The guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG-59) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base San Diego on Oct. 23, 2019. Cmdr. Matthew W. Foster turned over the role of commanding officer to Cmdr. Ryan K. Rogers.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve with the Sailors and Officers aboard Russell, and I am extremely humbled and proud of their accomplishments,” said Foster. “This has been my most rewarding tour. I am confident Commander Rogers will continue the valued traditions and operational excellence of USS Russell.”

The ceremony marked the end of a very successful 18-month command tour for Foster. During Foster’s tenure, Russell successfully completed an arduous 22-month maintenance availability and a full work-up cycle, certifying the ship and crew in all missions areas. Foster also successfully led Russell through exercise Northern Edge in the Gulf of Alaska operating area and launch of two SM-2 missiles for Live Fire with a Purpose.

Foster leaves the ship to join the staff of the Commander, Naval Surface Forces.

During the ceremony, Foster read his orders and transferred command to Rogers, who read his orders, assumed command, and addressed the audience as commanding officer of Russell.

"It is a great honor to have the opportunity to lead the outstanding Officers and Crew of Russell," said Rogers.

Rogers assumed command of Russell in accordance with the Navy’s Fleet-up Program after serving as Russell’s executive officer. His previous assignments include sea tours aboard USS Reuben James (FFG 57) as Main Propulsion Assistant, USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51) as Navigator, and USS Mason (DDG 87) as Chief Engineer and Combat Systems Officer.

Commissioned in 1995, Russell is named for Rear Adm. John Henry Russell and his son, Commandant of the Marine Corps John Henry Russell, Jr. Assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23, Russell is homeported in San Diego.

For more information on Russell, please visit:
https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg59/Pages/default.aspx

• Date Taken: 10.23.2019
• Date Posted: 10.27.2019 02:46
• Story ID: 349363
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US