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) & USS McCampbell (DDG-85). The deployment was centered around an annual exercise called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2004. On 15 April 2006, the guided-missile destroyer 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.