USS Richard B. Russell
USS Richard B. Russell , a attack submarine, has been the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Richard B. Russell, Jr., United States Senator from Georgia.
Construction and commissioning
The contract for Richard B. Russells construction was awarded on 25 July 1969 and her keel was laid down 19 October 1971 by Newport News Shipbuilding at Newport News, Virginia, authenticated by Mrs. Ina Russell Stacey, sister and official hostess for Senator Russell. Richard B. Russell was launched at Newport News on 12 January 1974, sponsored by Mrs. Leila Elizabeth (Betty) Talmadge, wife of Herman E. Talmadge, U.S. Senator from Georgia, and commissioned on 16 August 1975.Service history
In August 1977, Richard B. Russell was fitted with a large housing attached to her hull just aft of her sail, containing a tethered antenna buoy that was under development. The housing, called a "bustle", gave her a unique profile and her nickname became "Dickey "B"." Some other submarines in this subclass would also receive this bustle modification. At some point the RBR bustle was either modified or replaced with a model that was similar to that installed on the USS Parche.One point of interest about the fitting of the bustle came about as it was being installed. A crane was used to lift the bustle for the installation process. The crane used had insufficient capacity to lift the bustle. The bustle went into the water, and the crane was pulled onto its side. The crane operator was pinned inside the crane cab. A second man, previously reported in this paragraph as being pinned, was actually a first responder who entered the cab, secured the crane mechanically, and rendered first aid to the injured operator. A barge-mounted crane was later brought in to lift the bustle from the water, and right the first crane.
In 1978, Richard B. Russell completed a three-month deployment in the North Atlantic Ocean for which she received a Navy Unit Commendation and an Expeditionary Medal.
In 1980, Richard B. Russell completed a five-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1981 she completed a deployment in the North Atlantic Ocean for which she received a Meritorious Unit Commendation and an Expeditionary Medal.
In 1982, Richard B. Russell went through the Panama Canal and arrived at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, for an extended overhaul. During her time at Mare Island, it was decided that she would become a special projects submarine. After a short period of post-overhaul testing and sea trials, she underwent extensive ocean engineering modifications prior to commencing operations as a unit of Submarine Development Group 1. As a member of Sub Dev Group 1, she spearheaded a testing program for submarine rescue technology.
Richard B. Russells role as a fast attack submarine as well as a development and testing platform earned her the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest award any naval unit can be given. She also earned six Navy Unit Commendations, and seven Battle Effectiveness Awards, commonly known as the Battle "E", during her career.
Richard B. Russell was placed in reserve while still in commission on 1 July 1993.