Captain David J. Nelson
Captain David J. Nelson
Captain Nelson is a native of Battle Lake, Minnesota. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Moorehead State University. Entering the Navy through the program, he was commissioned in August of 1972. Designated a Naval Flight Officer in March of 1973, his initial assignment was Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 21 (VR-21) at NAS Barbers Point.
While in VR-21, he made deployments throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia. During his tour, he served as Phase Inspection Branch Officer, Assistant Aircraft Division Officer, and VIP Navigator aboard CINCPACFLT's VC-118 aircraft.
While in VR-21, he made deployments throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia. During his tour, he served as Phase Inspection Branch Officer, Assistant Aircraft Division Officer, and VIP Navigator aboard CINCPACFLT's VC-118 aircraft.
Captain Nelson reported to Patrol Squadron 16 in April 1976, making deployments to Sigonella, Sicily, and Keflavik, Iceland. In addition to qualifying as a P-3C Mission Captain and Instructor Tactical Coordinator, he served as NFO NATOPS, Communications Officer, and Beartrap Project Officer.
In September 1979, he was detailed to Patrol Wing TWO, and served as ASW Division Officer. Captain Nelson then attended the Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island, graduating in March of 1984. Concurrently, he earned a Master's degree from Salve Regina College.
In August 1984, Captain Nelson reported to Patrol Squadron 6 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. He served as Training, Administrative and Operations Officer and made deployments to Cubi Point, RP.
Captain Nelson was assigned to Patrol Wing 2 in February 1987, where he served as the Training Officer until reporting back to Patrol Squadron 6 as Executive Officer.
He has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (with one Gold Star); the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with two bronze stars). Captain Nelson is married to the former Carolyn Wallace of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and have three children; Christine, Brad and Beth.