ALCOAST 240/23 - JUN 2023 DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER AND HALF MASTING OF NATIONAL ENSIGN

R 282015Z JUN 23 MID120000263163U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 240/23
SSIC 5060
SUBJ: DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER AND HALF MASTING OF
NATIONAL ENSIGN
A. USCG Regulations 1992, COMDTINST M5000.3B
1. It is with great sadness that I announce the death of
Vice Admiral Robert Nelson, USCG (retired), who passed away Sunday,
June 4, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia, at the age of 87.
2. By order of the Commandant, and IAW REF (A), the National Ensign
shall be flown at half-mast on all Coast Guard buildings, grounds,
and vessels not underway from sunrise until sunset on July 3, 2023,
in honor of VADM Nelson.
3. VADM Nelson was born on March 6, 1936 in East Liverpool, Ohio,
and was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was in the Coast Guard
Academy class of 1958 and earned his master's degree at
George Washington University.
4. Following graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy,
VADM Nelson's sea service included three tours on polar icebreakers
with operations in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Great Lakes.
He served as commanding officer of the Icebreaker WESTWIND
in Milwaukee, WI. Earlier in his career he served as commanding
officer of the cutter CAPE CURRENT out of Ocracoke, NC. He was also
part of Coast Guard Squadron One in the Vietnam conflict where, as
commanding officer of the cutter POINT GLOVER, he conducted coastal
interdiction patrols.
5. Appointed to Flag Rank in 1986, VADM Nelson was assigned as
Commander, Second Coast Guard District where he directed
Coast Guard operations on the Western Rivers throughout the
22-state inland region. In 1988, he assumed the duties as
Chief of the Office of Navigation Safety and Waterway Services at
Coast Guard Headquarters. From 1990 to 1992 he served as
the Coast Guard Chief of Staff.
6. VADM Nelson's military awards include the Department of
Transportation and Coast Guard Distinguished Service medals, two
Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star with combat device, two
Meritorious Service medals, the Coast Guard Commendation and
Achievement medals with operational distinguishing device. He also
proudly wore the Cutterman's insignia.
7. VADM Nelson is survived by two daughters, a son and four
grandchildren.
8. VADM Nelson's obituary can be found at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://obituaries.virginiacremate.com/obituaries/chantilly-va/
robert-nelson-11318976

9. VADM Nelson's official biography can be found at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/All/
Article/1778203/vice-admiral-robert-t-nelson/

10. ADM S. D. Poulin, Vice Commandant (VCG), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.