Designated a naval aviator in 1929, Admiral Russell had the normal tours both at sea and ashore and earned a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering while in postgraduate training. During World War II he led Patrol Squadron 22 (VP-42) in action against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands campaign. After a short tour back in the States, he was chief of staff to Commander Carrier Division Two. In 1945 and 1946 he served as a member of the Strategic Bombing Survey in Japan. Later he commanded the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) in the Mediterranean; in 1955 was Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics; was awarded the Collier Trophy in 1956 for development of the supersonic Crusader Navy fighter; was Deputy CinC of the Atlantic Fleet; Vice Chief of Naval Operations (1958-1961); and CinC Allied Forces Southern Europe until retirement in 1965.