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USS ROSS (DDG-71)


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign - NGWB

CLASS - BURKE Flight I As Built.
Displacement 8373 Tons (Full), Dimensions, 504' 7" (oa) x 66' 11" x 20' (Max)
Armament 1 x 5"/54 RF, 2 Phalanx 20mm Guns, 90 VLS Cells,
8 Harpoon Missiles, 6 x 12.75" TT.
Machinery, 100,000 SHP; 4 GE LM-2500 Gas Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 30+ Knots, Range 4400 NM@ 20 Knots, Crew 370.
Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Litton - Ingalls, Pascagoula Miss. on April 10 1995.
Launched April 20 1996 and commissioned July 28 1997.
Active unit of the US Navy.
Intially homeported at Norfolk Virginia
Homeported at Rota, Spain, with Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E), 2014 - September 2022
Homeported again at Norfolk from September 2022

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Ross 10kDonald Kirby Ross was a junior Warrant Officer aboard the USS Nevada BB-36 on December 7, 1941. Ross earned the Medal Of Honor for " EXTRAORDINARY " courage and disregard for his own life during the attack on Fleet at Pearl Harbor. Ross was presented the Medal Of Honor by Admiral Chester Nimitz on April 18, 1942 and was commissioned Ensign in June 1942. Later in the War he also participated in the Invasion Of Normandy June 6, 1944. Captain Ross retired in July 1956 after 27 years of consecutive duty.Steven A. Cardali
Ross 59kCaptain Donald K. Ross at the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, aboard the USS Arizona Memorial after being introduced by the President George H. Bush.Steven A. Cardali
Ross 49kArtist's conception of the Ross as built by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company Navy Yard Associates offers prints of most destroyers, destroyer escorts, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. If you decide to purchase artwork from them please indicate that you heard about their work from NavSource.Navy Yard Associates
Ross 140kUSS Ross (DDG-71) poster courtesy of Lockheed Martin.Bill Gonyo
Ross 39kArtists conception of the Ross.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 60kUndated, on sea trials.Bill Gonyo
Ross 126kUndated, location unknown.Richard Miller BMCS USNR RET.
Ross 105kChristening Coin for Ross DDG-71 on 20 April 1996.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 55kChristening Program for the Ross DDG-71 on 20 April 1996.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 150kThe Christening of the USS Ross DDG-71 by the Ship's Sponsor Mrs. Helen Lou Ross, widow of CAPT Ross, on 20 April 1996 at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascacoula, MS.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 129kUSS Ross (DDG-71) is shown Making high speed turns, probably during builder's sea trials in 1997.Robert Hurst
Ross 75kThe Commissioning Program for the USS Ross DDG-71. The event was held at Galveston, TX on 28 June 1997.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 50kPass for the Commissioning ceremony.Tom Armstrong
Ross 72kInvitation for the Commissioning ceremony.Tom Armstrong
Ross 202kUSS Ross (DDG-71) at her Commissioning on July 28 1997 in Galveston, Texas. Photo courtesy of Brigitte Cherubini.Bill Gonyo
Ross 70kUSS Ross DDG-71 firing a Standard SM-2 surface-to-air missile, during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials, 1998.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 48kPortsmouth, VA July 27 1998.Marc Piché
Ross 55kNorfolk, July 27 1998.Marc Piché
Ross 31kNorfolk, July 27 1998.Marc Piché
Ross 106kUSS Ross DDG-71, underway prior to her maiden deployment of 26 March 1999.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 111kDD-SD-00-02571, 990406-N-1556A-002. Crewmembers onboard the Navy's Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS ROSS (DDG 71), test protective fire fighting gear in a recent drill. ROSS is in the Adriatic Sea in support of the NATO lead operation in Kosovo, NATO Operation Allied Force. Photo by PH3 Renso Amariz, April 6 1999.Bill Gonyo
Ross 119kValletta, Malta July 20 1999. From the collection of P. Joly.Paolo Marsan
Ross 114kNorfolk, Va., Sept. 22, 1999, family members and friends welcome the guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) back to Norfolk following the completion of a scheduled six-month deployment. The destroyer deployed with the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Allied Force and Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Leland B. Comer. [990922-N-6097C-503] Sept. 22, 1999.Fred Weiss
Ross 44kNorfolk February 27 2000.Marc Piché
Ross 92kThe guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) steams past Pier 88 on the Hudson River. More than 6000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel aboard 22 ships sailed into New York during the 15th Annual Fleet Week celebration. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass.Fred Weiss
Ross 119kGdynia Harbor, Poland, June 05, 2003, Polish Sailors watch as the guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) pulls along side the guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) prior to the start of Baltops 2003. The United States and 11 other nations are participating in this year's exercise. BALTOPS 2003 is intended to improve interoperability between allies and Partnership for Peace countries by conducting exercises in gunnery, replenishment-at-sea, undersea warfare, radar tracking, mine countermeasures, seamanship, search and rescue, maritime interdiction operations, and scenarios dealing with potentially real world crises. Polish Navy photo by Marian Kluczynski.USN
Ross 91k031210-N-3653A-001. Aboard USS Ross (DDG 71), December 10,2003, an SH-60F Seahawk assigned to the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5) receives mail from USS Ross (DDG 71) for delivery ashore via USS George Washington (CVN 73). The SH-60F operates primarily off of aircraft carriers, providing close-in anti-submarine protection for the Carrier Strike Group, and Search and Rescue (SAR) support during carrier flight operations. During anti-submarine operations the SH-60F employs a powerful dipping sonar, an arsenal of sonobuoys, and Mk 50 torpedoes. The SH-60F is also used extensively for logistics, transporting personnel, mail, and supplies between ships in the Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Summer M. Anderson.Bill Gonyo
Ross 105kVisit to Portsmouth, England on June 2, 2004 in preparation for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.Alan Baptist
Ross 103kVisit to Portsmouth, England on June 5, 2004 in preparation for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.Alan Baptist
Ross 119k040625-N-0780F-070. Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, 25 June 2004, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), top, cruises into Souda Harbor for a brief port visit as the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) departs following a brief stay in the eastern Mediterranean port. Both Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two Eight (DESRON 28) and homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 138k051021-N-4374S-001. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, October 21 2005, sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) man a twin .50 caliber machine gun mount as their ship prepares to get underway from Naval Base Do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and the United States are participating in UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic phase. This is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that enhances friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies by enhancing interoperability in naval operations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg.Bill Gonyo
Ross 114kTwo views of the YTB 771 Keokuk Assisting USS Ross DDG 71 on her visit to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Treaty of Portsmouth, January 6 2006. F.John Anderson
Ross 182kAs above. F.John Anderson
Ross 306k060625-N-0780F-001. Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, June 25 2006, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrives for a brief port call. Ross is on a six-month deployment as part of Standing NATO Response Force Maritime Group Two in support of Operation Active Endeavor, NATO's maritime contribution to the fight against terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 171k060625-N-0780F-004. Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, June 25 2006, sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) conduct mooring operations as they arrive for a port call. Ross is making the stop as part of its regularly scheduled six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 105kThree views of the Ross in Piraeus, Greece on September 19 2006. To the left is the Spanish Frigate Reina Sofia F84.George Haralampides
Ross 88kAs above.George Haralampides
Ross 89kAs above.George Haralampides
Ross 87kSix views of the Ross maneuvering in Piraeus, Greece harbor on September 19 2006.George Haralampides.
Ross 85kAs above.George Haralampides.
Ross 87kAs above.George Haralampides.
Ross 84kAs above.George Haralampides.
Ross 84kAs above.George Haralampides.
Ross 80kAs above.George Haralampides.
Ross 91kFive views of the Ross departing Piraeus, Greece on September 19 2006.George Haralampides.
Ross 87kAs above.George Haralampides
Ross 87kAs above.George Haralampides
Ross 80kAs above.George Haralampides
Ross 91kAs above.George Haralampides
Ross 150k061002-N-3888C-002. Gulf of Lion, October 2 2006, Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Justin Tinkey and Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Joshua Hermes assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2), maintain course during NATO Exercise Brilliant Midas 2006. Brilliant Midas is a multinational exercise conducted in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leonardo Carrillo.Bill Gonyo
Ross 158k061106-N-5055G-041. Norfolk, Va., November 6 2006, almost 300 crewmembers on the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) returned to homeport here today. The ROSS returned after a six month deployment in support of Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) in the Mediterranean Sea as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2). While on deployment ROSS worked with more than sixty NATO and non-NATO ships from Israel and Russia and submarines and aircraft from England, Greece, Italy, Turkey and the United States. This deployment was designed to be flexible and provided presence and strike power to support joint and allied forces afloat and ashore. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Joshua L. Glassburn.Bill Gonyo
Ross 61k061106-N-4515N-041, Norfolk, VA, November 6 2006, nearly 300 Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) return to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. Ross returned after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) in the Mediterranean Sea as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2).Tony Cowart
Ross 42k061106-N-4515N-051, as above.Tony Cowart
Ross 37k061106-N-4515N-092, as above.Tony Cowart
Ross 167k080220-N-3595W-050. Norfolk, Va., February 20 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gina K. Wollman.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 105k080220-N-5292M-005. Norfolk, Va., February 20 2008, a tug boat guides the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) away from the pier as she departs for a six-month deployment as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group. The deployment is in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julie Matyascik.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 124k080221-N-3165S-055. Atlantic Ocean, February 21 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) pulls alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) (not shown) during a replenishment at sea (RAS). Ross is deployed with the Nassau Strike Group en route to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Steinhour.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 193k080221-N-7987H-136. Atlantic Ocean, February 21 2008, a port beam view of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) as she transits the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group. The strike group is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security coordination efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mandy Hunsucker.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 169k080223-N-0924R-008. Atlantic Ocean, February 23 2008, Cmdr. Paul Stader, commanding officer aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), is lowered into the water on a rigid hull inflatable boat to transfer to the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Bill Gonyo
Ross 124kFebruary 25 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) leads the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) as they steam with other ships of Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group during a transit of the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Anthony Falvo, ID# 080225-N-5180F-027.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 169k080225-N-7945K-269. Atlantic Ocean, February 25 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) transits the Atlantic Ocean, during a scheduled deployment as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew King.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 65kAtlantic Ocean, March 4 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71) prepares to refuel with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189). Ross is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Nassau Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Steinhour, ID# 080304-N-3165S-089.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 232k080314-N-0924R-074. Mediterranean Sea, March 14 2008, the crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) bring aboard ammunition from landing craft unit (LCU 1657). Ross is on a scheduled deployment as a part of the Nassau Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 6th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 108k080330-N-0924R-029. Red Sea, March 30 2008, sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) load torpedoes into the torpedo tubes on the ship's aft missile deck. Ross is one of six vessels assigned to the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose Bill Gonyo
Ross 96k080404-N-0924R-054. Gulf of Aden, April 4 2008, sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) watches the probe at refueling station 4 during a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo, ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2). Ross is deployed as a part of the Nassau Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 164k080407-N-0924R-016. U.S. Navy Capt. Michael A. Strano, second from left, commander of Destroyer Squadron 26, and Cmdr. Paul Stader, right, commanding officer of the guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), stand with the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) committee Sailors as they present the ESWS pennant that will be flown from the mast of their ship, the USS Ross, in the Gulf of Aden April 7, 2008. Ross is one of six vessels in the Nassau Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Bill Gonyo
Ross 116k080509-N-0924R-052. Persian Gulf, May 9 2008, an SH-60 Seahawk prepares to retrieve food and supplies during a vertical replenishment on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is part the Nassau Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 133k080524-N-0924R-026. Persian Gulf, May 24 2008, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Brandley Sinoc directs an SH-60 Seahawk that is preparing to land on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is a member of the Nassau Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 199k080603-N-0924R-004. Manama, Bahrain, June 3 2008, Cmdr. Paul Stader, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), takes position during a change of command ceremony aboard aboard the ship. Stader relieved Cmdr. Douglas A. McGoff. Ross is a member of the Nassau Strike Group deployed to the Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 142k080603-N-0924R-031 Manama, Bahrain, June 3 2008, Command Master Chief Gregg Snaza presents Cmdr. Paul Stader with a shadow box during change of command ceremony aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71. Stader relieved Cmdr. Douglas A. McGoff. Ross is a member of the Nassau Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 175k080705-N-5712P-126. Atlantic Ocean, July 5 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) and the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) transit westward in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Nassau Strike Group. The Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group is completing its deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Pankau.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 214k080705-N-2735T-887. Atlantic Ocean, July 5 2008, the ships of the Nassau Strike Group (NASSG) transit westward in the Atlantic Ocean as they wrap-up their deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. The NASSAU is made up of the Norfolk, Va.-based amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4); the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48); the guided-missile destroyers USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84); and the Mayport, Fla.-based guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 93k080711-N-1189B-007. Norfolk, July 11 2008, family and friends of Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) wait for the ship's return to Naval Station Norfolk following a five-month deployment. Ross deployed as part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (NAS ESG) supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Zachary L. Borden.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 124k140328-N-WX580-039. Faslane, Scotland, March 28 2014, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) anchors off the coast of Faslane, Scotland. Ross is in Scotland to participate in exercise Joint Warrior 14-1, a semi-annual, United Kingdom-led training exercise designed to provide NATO and allied forces a unique multi-warfare environment in which to prepare for global operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson.Robert M. Cieri
Ross 149k140603-N-YB832-053, Norfolk, June 3 2014, sailors aboard USS Ross (DDG 71) man the rails as they depart their Norfolk homeport. Ross is the second of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to be forward deployed to Rota, Spain to enhance the security of the European region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ellen E. Long.Ron Reeves
Ross 112k140616-N-BS486-608. Naval Station Rota, Spain, June 16 2014, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Ross is the second of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to be forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, to serve as part of the president's European phased adaptive approach to ballistic missile defense in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Grant Wamack.Ron Reeves
Ross 161k140816-N-IY142-290. Mediterranean Sea, August 16 2014, Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Jennifer Sahley directs a helicopter to land during flight quarters aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Herman.Ron Reeves
Ross 140k140903-N-IY142-291. Bosphorus Strait, September 3 2014, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) approaches the end of the Bosphorus Strait on its transit to the Black Sea. Ross, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Herman.Ron Reeves
Ross 217k140908-N-IY142-343. Black Sea, September 8 2014, the rigid-hull inflatable boat, Valor, transports a visit, board, search and seizure team away from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) during exercise Sea Breeze 2014. Ross, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility supporting U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Herman.Ron Reeves
Ross 57kUSS Ross (DDG-71) is assisted by Ukrainian tugs into port during Exercise 'Sea Breeze 2014'. Courtesy Reuters/U.S. Navy/Tamekia L. Perdue.Robert Hurst
Ross 140k141028-N-ZE250-435. Mediterranean Sea, October 28 2014, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) in the Mediterranean Sea. Ross, homeported in Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of the U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones.Ron Reeves
Ross 93k150322-N-FQ994-106. Mediterranean Sea, March 22 2015, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) transits the Mediterranean Sea during high wind conditions. Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 150k150504-N-FQ994-645. Mediterranean Sea, May 4 2015, a rigid-hull inflatable boat from the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71)speeds through the Mediterranean Sea during coxswain and boat operation training. Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 167k150511-N-FQ994-170. Mediterranean Sea, May 11 2015, Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Aldane Aarons, from Lake Worth, Fla., climbs out of a gas turbine engine space aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 174k150603-N-FQ994-005. Bosphorus Strait, June 3 2015, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) transits the Bosphorus Strait after completing routine operations in the Black Sea. Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 137kUSS Ross (DDG 71) moored in Rota, Spain on June 9, 2015. US Navy photo.Tommy Trampp
Ross 161kUSS Ross (DDG 71) takes part in a ship formation, to begin At Sea Demonstration 2015 (ASD 15) on October 18 2015. US Navy Photo.Tommy Trampp
Ross 54kArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71) and Andrea Doria-class Italian destroyer DDGHM Andrea Doria transit with guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) during At Sea Demonstration 2015 (ASD 15) Oct. 22, 2015. US Navy photo.Tommy Trampp
Ross 164k151227-N-XT273-063. Civitavecchia, Italy, December 27 2015, sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) man sea and anchor detail before pulling out of the Port of Civitavecchia, Italy, after a routine port visit Dec. 27, 2015. Ross is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Stumberg.Ron Reeves
Ross 105k151229-N-FP878-033. Mediterranean Sea, December 29 2015, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195), not pictured, for a replenishment-at-sea Dec. 29, 2015. Ross is forward deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting a routine patrol in the U. S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold.Ron Reeves
Ross 147k160111-N-FP878-288. Mediterranean Sea, January 11 2016, USS Ross (DDG 71) pulls into Souda Bay, Greece. Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U. S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold.Ron Reeves
Ross 254k160215-N-XT273-283. Mediterranean Sea, February 15 2016, sailors aboard USS Ross (DDG 71) conduct visit, board, search and seizure training in the Mediterranean Sea. Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Stumberg.Ron Reeves
Ross 135kSailors aboard USS Ross (DDG 71) pipe aboard the honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, during his visit to the Ross while in port in Istanbul, Turkey. US Navy Photo.Tommy Trampp
Ross 188k160710-N-VJ282-216. Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 10 2016, President Barack Obama departs USS Ross (DDG 71) after a tour aboard the ship. During the president's visit to Naval Station Rota, he met with base leadership, toured USS Ross (DDG 71) and spoke to service members and their families during an all hands call. Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Dietrick.Ron Reeves
Ross 158k160907-N-FP878-026. Souda Bay, Greece, September 7 2016, Lt. Carleigh Gregory from Herndon, Va., takes inventory of 5 inch ammunition aboard USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold.Ron Reeves
Ross 174k161002-N-FP878-220. Medierranran Sea, October 2 2016, U.S. Navy Sailors fuel a French NH-90 helicopter aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). The ship is providing multi-warfare defense support to Charles de Gaule carrier-based operations in the Eastern Mediterranean against identified ISIL positions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Theron J. Godbold.Ron Reeves
Ross 139k161025-N-FP878-387. Mediterranean Sea, October 25 2016, USS Ross (DDG 71) Sailors watch as the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) conducts flight operations. Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is providing multi-warfare defense support to Charles de Gaulle carrier-based operations in the Eastern Mediterranean against identified ISIL positions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Theron J. Godbold.Ron Reeves
Ross 108k161102-N-ZE250-067. Souda Bay, Greece, November 2 2016, Lt. James Black, left, and Ensign Michelle Nelson render honors to the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) from aboard USS Carney (DDG 64) while leaving port in Souda Bay, Greece Nov. 2, 2016. Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Weston Jones.Ron Reeves
Ross 161k161116-N-FP878-054. Mediterranean Sea, November 16 2016, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) transits the Mediterranean Sea. Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Theron J. Godbold.Ron Reeves
Ross 58k170407-N-FQ994-104. Mediterranean Sea, April 7 2017, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile April 7, 2017. USS Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 129k170503-N-FQ994-198. Mediterranean Sea, May 3 2017, Lt. Cmdr. Ben McCarty, second from left, reenlists Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Nikki Duffy on the yardarm of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 91k170613-N-FQ994-107. Rota, Spain, June 13 2017, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78), front, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Ross (DDG 71) are moored at Naval Station Rota, Spain. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price.Ron Reeves
Ross 34kShip's patch.S. E. 'Bill' Wightman

USS ROSS DDG-71 History
Note: History is unavailable at this time
This ship was built too late to be covered by the DANFS project

Commanding Officers
Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves


CDR Jeffrey Roy Ginnow    Jun 28 1997 - Dec 19 1998

CDR David Michael Thomas Jr.    Dec 19 1998 - Jun 10 2000 (Later RADM)

CDR Michael Duane Hawley    Jun 10 2000 - Dec 26 2001

CDR Michael John Salvato    Dec 26 2001 - Sep 12 2003

CDR Lisa Marie Franchetti    Sep 12 2003 - Mar 31 2005 (Later RADM)

CDR Jay Daniel Shaffer    Mar 31 2005 - Dec 7 2006

CDR Paul Anthony Stader    Dec 7 2006 - Jun 3 2008

CDR Douglas Allen McGoff    Jun 3 2008 - Dec 2009

CDR Doyle Kendall Hodges    Dec 2009 - Jun 9 2011

CDR David J. Wickersham    Jun 9 2011 - Nov 7 2012

CDR Stacey William Yopp    Nov 7 2012 - May 5 2014

CDR Tadd Henry Gorman    May 5 2014 - Nov 12 2015

CDR Russell J. Caldwell    Nov 12 2015 - Apr 11 2017

CDR Bryan Steven Gallo    Apr 11 2017 - Sep 25 2018

CDR David Samuel Coles    Sep 25 2018 - Jan 28 2020

CDR John D. John    Jan 28 2020 - Jul 29 2021

CDR Scott Anthony Jones    Jul 29 2021 - Nov 18 2022

CDR Walter Raymond Brinkley, Jr,    Nov 18 2022 - present


Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Plankowner 20th Anniversary of Commissioning Reunion
Dave & Buster's, 701 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA<
July 29, 2017
Contact Name: Laura Ahern (formerly ET1 Carey)
Phone: (931)-993-2275


Note About Contacts.

The contact listed, Was the contact at the time for this ship when located. If another person now is the contact, E-mail me and I will update this entry. These contacts are compiled from various sources over a long period of time and may or may not be correct. Every effort has been made to list the newest contact if more than one contact was found.



Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
USS Ross Website
Tin Can Sailors Website
Destroyer History Foundation
Destroyers Online Website
Official U.S.Navy Destroyer Website

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This page was created by Fred Willishaw (ex ARG-4, AS-11 & DD-692) and is maintained by David L. Wright
All pages copyright NavSource Naval History
Last Updated 07 April 2023