Rear Admiral Gordon Russell is a graduate of the University of Colorado, and received his commission in May, 1981 through the Aviation Officer Candidate School. After receiving his commission, Russell received orders to Training Squadron 10, where he finished Basic and Intermediate Flight Training as the top naval officer in his class.

Russell requested release from active duty in 1982, and in March 1984 affiliated with the Navy Intelligence Reserve Command. Russell’s early reserve assignments included billets with Fleet Intelligence Center Pacific and Joint Intelligence Command Pacific units, serving as intelligence analyst and imagery interpretation officer, and progressing to various division officer and department head assignments. Russell was selected as the Junior Officer of the Year, Reserve Intelligence Area 5, for FY 1993. The following year he served a two-month tour as assistant intel officer aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) while deployed to the Arabian Gulf.

From October 1996 to September 1999, Russell was assigned as assistant deputy chief of staff, Training and Readiness, Navy Intelligence Reserve Command. In October 1999, Russell was selected as executive officer, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) 0270, followed by selection as commanding officer of the same unit in October 2000.

From January 2002 to May 2003, Russell was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he served as chief, Operational Intelligence Division, Joint Intelligence Center, USSOUTHCOM. In his role as division chief, Russell led 168 joint military and civilian personnel who produced intelligence for the commander, senior staff, Task Force commanders, deployed forces, and U.S. Embassy country teams in 30 Latin American countries and 12 protectorates.

Upon release from active duty in May 2003, Russell was assigned as chief staff officer, Reserve Intelligence Area 6, Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base Ft. Worth. In October 2004, Russell assumed command of Reserve Intelligence Area 13, NAS Jacksonville, and in January 2007 was selected as chief of staff, Navy Intelligence Reserve Command.

In April 2008, Russell deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as the CJ9 strategic intelligence officer, Multi-National Force-Iraq. As the sole intelligence officer in a directorate of 187 personnel, he was responsible for facilitating directorate access to Force and Corps level intelligence organizations, as well as reach-back to the broader intelligence community. Additionally, he enabled the strategic communication effort by providing subject matter expertise while conducting interviews for Western and pan-Arab press organizations on regional terrorist threats and groups.

Russell’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Navy Commendation Medal (4), and the Navy Achievement Medal.