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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS San Antonio (LPD-17)

Captain Darren W. Nelson, USN

Captain Nelson is a native of Nebraska. He received his commission and Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in December of 1993. His initial sea tour was onboard USS Bainbridge (CGN 25), where he served as Communications Officer and Administrative Officer. His second sea assignment was as Damage Control Officer in USS Barry (DDG 52), where he deployed to the Arabian Gulf conducting visit board search and seizure operations. Following Barry, he was assigned to Regional Support Group Ingleside, Texas to serve on as the OIC of the Integrated Support Group (ISG). ISG was a CNO-sponsored group to improve the reliability of the mine hunting sonar. Upon completion of Department Head School, he served onboard USS Ingraham (FFG 61) as the Combat Systems Officer and completed a deployment to the 5th fleet AOR during the initial actions of Operation Enduring Freedom. Subsequently, he was assigned as the 1ST Lieutenant onboard USS Saipan (LHA 2).

During his tour on Saipan he conducted the back load of Marines for Operation Iraq Freedom. Following his department head tours, he was assigned as the Assistant Surface Operation Officer for Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight. Nelson then served as Executive Officer of USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), where he participated in another 5th Fleet deployment. Following his XO tour he was assigned to the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island were he received a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

While at the Naval War College, Nelson was selected for Command and was assigned the Commissioning Commanding Officer of USS Arlington (LPD 24). He then reported to the Joint Deployment Training Center at Fort Eustis, Virginia as the program manager for GCCS-J training. Following his Joint tour he reported to the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) in March of 2016 as the XO and fleeted up to Commanding Officer in July of 2016. He then served as Director of Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, Amphibious Warfare Division. Currently he is the Chief of Staff at Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various campaign and service ribbons.

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