Russ brought his buoyant spirit to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954, graduating in 1958. Russ earned his wings as a naval aviator in 1959 and obtained his master of education from the University of Virginia in 1966. He went on to serve his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War and the Cold War as well as other numerous missions. When a fellow aviator’s plane and entire crew was downed during the Vietnam War, Russ volunteered to step in to take his place and finish his mission. He primarily flew the P-3 Orion, the world’s premier antisubmarine and maritime surveillance air craft.

Russ served in several squadrons and flew multiple deployments, seeing almost every corner of the globe. One particular highlight of his service was being stationed as an exchange instructor with the Canadian Forces in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, a rare honor for an American servicemen (1969-1972).

He went on to become the Commanding Officer of VP8 (also known as the “Tigers”) in Brunswick, Maine. That service was a source of special pride to him, and he was admired and beloved as Commander of the P-3 Orion unit. His last assignment was at the Naval War College in Newport where he served until he retired until 1979.