George Nelson
Yaphank
Navy
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.
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