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VADM John H. Nicholson 01 Oct 1959 - 27 May 1961 |
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Vice Admiral John Harris Nicholson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah
on May 18, 1924. Following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy
in 1946, he served tours aboard the
USS McCOOK (DMS 36),
the
USS WANTUCK (APD 125)
and, upon completion of submarine school, the
USS TIRU (SS 416).
He was one of the first two officers selected for the nuclear power program
in 1950 and served on the initial crew of the
USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571).
From 1957 to 1958 he served as Executive Officer and Navigator on the
USS SKATE (SSN 578)
where he was cited for outstanding performance during under-ice operations
in the Arctic Ocean. Next he commanded the
USS PICKEREL (SS 524)
and the
USS SARGO (SSN 583)
where he was again cited for exceptionally meritorious conduct during the
"most extensive under-ice exploration of the Arctic Ocean yet attempted
by a submarine."
After a tour in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) he commanded, in succession, the USS STONEWALL JACKSON (SSBN 634), the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the USS MERRICK (LKA 97), where he was cited for meritorious service during combat operations in Vietnam. Following instruction at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces he commanded Submarine Squadron FIFTEEN in Guam until June 1972 when he was selected for Flag rank. His Rear Admiral tours included duty as Deputy Commander, Naval Ship Systems Command; Director of Strategic Submarine Division and TRIDENT Program Coordinator in the Office of the CNO; Commander Submarine Group EIGHT/Commander Submarines Mediterranean in Naples, Italy, and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Plans and Policy, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Belgium. On 01 July 1979 he was promoted to Vice Admiral and served as Vice Director of Strategic Target Planning at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska until his retirement 01 July 1980. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Bronze Star with Combat "V", Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Medal with 1 Star. VADM John H. "Nick" Nicholson passed 07 Nov 2020
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USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) |
USS TIRU (SS 416) |
USS SKATE (SSN 578) |
USS PICKEREL (SS 524) |
USS SARGO (SSN 583) |
USS STONEWALL JACKSON (SSBN 634) |
