Robert Wayne Nelson

Captain Robert Wayne Nelson USN ret. (deceased) Captain Robert W. “Brick” Nelson Jr., a veteran who served in the Cold War, including combat in the War on Terrorism and the wars in Iraq and the Balkans, passed away on January 23, 2023.

Rob was born August 11th, 1950 in Washington State to Robert W. Sr. and Dorothy Nelson . After moving to Southern California in the early 1950's, the family settled in Newbury Park, CA, located in Ventura County in the early 1960's.

He attended Thousand Oaks High School, where he played Varsity Football and ran track and he was Senior Class president. Following graduation from California State University at Northridge, CA, with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, he entered the U.S. Navy. He earned his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator in 1976 and was assigned to Naval Air Station NAS Lemoore to fly the A-7E Corsair II. His next duty station was NAS Beeville, Texas, where he was an advanced jet instructor and Landing Signals Officer (LSO) flying the A-4 Skyhawk. After this tour, Brick returned to sea duty as the Airwing LSO onboard USS Midway (CV-41) stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.

Cap't. Nelson was among the first East Coast Strike Fighter pilots to transition to the FA-18 Hornet. He later became an instructor pilot flying and training at NAS Cecil Field, Florida and NAS Fallon, Nevada. He subsequently served as an aviation squadron department head embarked in USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

After his department head tour, Captain Nelson served ashore as the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic's F-18 Program manager. He later served as the Commanding Officer of an operational Strike Fighter Squadron. Following his command tour, he assumed command (CAG) of the Airwing embarked in USS Enterprise (CVN-65). His next duty station was as a Senior Fellow for the Chief of Naval Operation's (CNO) Strategic Studies Group in Newport, RI, followed by Deputy Director of the CNO “DEEP BLUE” office in Washington D.C. Captain Nelson retired from active duty in 2005.

During his 31 year Navy career, Captain Nelson accumulated 8,255 flight hours and 1,403 carrier arrested landings. He achieved 30 helicopter landings, as pilot, aboard ship. His awards include 2 Legion of Merit awards, a Bronze star, two individual air medals with “V” for valor and numerous strike flight air medals for combat operations.

At the 2022 Tailhook Convention, Brick was honored as the recipient of the Tailhook Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and was honored with a ten minute ovation.

 In 2023 Captain Nelson was honored with a banner on Coronado Island's “Avenue of Heroes”.

He is also a member of the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association, also known as the “Golden Eagles” .

Robert Wayne Nelson II – 'Brick' - was the quintessential strike-fighter pilot. He was loved and respected for his expertise, professionalism, intelligence, superb leadership, his boisterous humor and adventurous spirit, service to his country and his unwavering loyalty to those with whom he served. Rob will always remain our brother, hero and a beloved family member.