NELSON, GEORGE

George Nelson

Yaphank

Navy

George Nelson

George Nelson was born on August 10, 1944 at Port Jefferson, New York. He attended the Yaphank main Street school for 9 years and Port Jefferson high School for 4 years. He was living in Yaphank when he was entered the navy in January, 1963.

Trained as an electronics technician he was qualified in submarines. George was assigned to the USS James K. Polk

SS BN645 and took part in seven Polaris war patrols.. His longest patrol saw the submarine submerged for 96 1/2 days while the other patrols averaged seventy days. During his service Nelson rose to the rank of 1st Class petty Officer.

The USS JAMES K. POLK sailed to Charleston, SC in September 1966 to load-out Polaris missiles for her initial deterrent patrol. After completion of the shakedown period, she operated in the Atlantic Ocean and completed 19 strategic deterrent patrols from September 1966 until May 1971.

Navy

For his service Nelson was awarded a Good Conduct, National Defense, Blue Nose (travel above the Artic Circle and to the North pole submerged), Qualified in submarines Dolphins, Polaris War Patrol Insignia with Service Stars.

George Nelson was discharged from the service at new London Connecticut in January, 1970. Returning home he went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration.

USS James K. Polk